Preclearance Act, 2016  I understand that pre-clearance is an important part of the Canada-U.S. relationship and to the free flow of trade and travellers between our two countries, but the provisions contained in Bill C-23 are too problematic for me to give my support. Bill C-23 neglects to take into account the climate of uncertainty at the border following the discriminatory policies and executive orders of the Trump administration.

Justice committee  I respect the comments made, but I guess, with your line of reasoning, Mr. Fraser, then Bill C-305 wouldn't be necessary because, if there are already provisions to allow for sentencing based on that, then what's the purpose of Bill C-305? Bill C-305's purpose is to identify specific areas and really list them.

Justice committee  I think it's important, based on the testimony we've heard on this bill, that we don't allow the definition of property in Bill C-305. We don't want it to be too specific, because I think it could cut off areas where some of these hate crimes can occur. I was thinking along the lines of the testimony indicating areas that are not specifically mentioned in Bill C-305, but where some of our witnesses have associated with an identifiable group.

Instruction to Committee on Bill C-243  Mr. Speaker, joining with the member for Winnipeg North, I too am perplexed. What is it that could possibly be going on in the House at this very moment that would cause the NDP and the Conservatives to get together? What is it that caused the business of the House, since the week of the budget, to be so interrupted with all these procedural shenanigans?

Criminal Code  It is quite a coincidence that for the second private member's bill that we are debating tonight, Bill C-247, which dealt with passive detection devices, one of the recommendations was that the government needs to take a leading role to make sure that the Department of Justice and its resources are fully involved.

Preclearance Act, 2016  We can look at the clear recommendation that was made by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-201. We can look at the clear recommendations that were made by the public safety committee with respect to Bill C-22. In each one of those instances, the committee did its due diligence, listened to the experts, and presented its recommendations to the House, only to have the government completely ignore the evidence and recommendations and proceed along a predetermined path.

Justice committee  The very fact that you chose to sponsor the bill means you've obviously had some very deep and thoughtful conversations with Senator Runciman over the scope of this bill. My first question is regarding this. In paragraph 518(1)(c), you inserted the phrase “the fact”. I'm just wondering why that was. What purpose do you see that particularly serving?

Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to speak to the third reading of Bill C-30 , the implementing legislation for the comprehensive economic and trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, otherwise known as CETA. I know there are those in the House who are quick to dismiss the opposition to this trade agreement, but I would remind all members that this is the people's House and these concerns deserve to have their say here in the heart of our democracy.

Justice committee  If it's a business, a bar, or some kind of a building that's not listed within the definitions of Bill C-305 but is clearly identified with an identifiable group—they congregate there—it's known as an ally, and it's targeted specifically for that reason. Are you saying it's more important to protect the building, or is our intention here to target the crime that's taking place?

Justice committee  His main point was to make sure that we add that important “gender expression” here to make the wording consistent with that of Bill C-16. We feel that adding “gender expression” does that to this bill. That's what I have to say about it, Mr. Chair.

Preclearance Act, 2016  Mr. Speaker, I want to address my question for the member concerning part 3 of Bill C-23. I have asked this question at various times today, and it seems the Liberals' answers are slowly progressing. My question is about the authorization to allow U.S. agents on Canadian soil to carry firearms, and the latest line of reasoning from the Liberals is that they would only be permitted to carry firearms if their Canadian counterparts were carrying firearms.

Preclearance Act, 2016  Speaker, I will make a quick response to the comment that was just made about the work of committees. A lot of experts came before committee with respect to Bill S-201 and Bill C-22 and made recommendations that were unanimously adopted by that committee, only to have the government completely ignore and refute those recommendations. In asking us to put faith in the committee process and in the government respecting that process, I am sorry to say that my patience with that line of argument is wearing very thin at the moment.

Preclearance Act, 2016  I have yet to hear a convincing argument from that side of the House in favour of provisions in Bill C-23 that would give U.S. customs and border officials the right to carry firearms. With respect to the concept of sovereignty, it is a precious thing, and when they start setting precedents and slowly giving it away, it makes it easier in the future to institute new forms.

Preclearance Act, 2016  I know that members on that side of the House like to dismiss them, but it is our job to give them voice in the House. To pre-empt the minister if he wishes to reference our vote on Bill C-37, may I remind him that we did that vote because it was to save Canadian lives, but this bill has been languishing on the docket since June of last year. I do not understand what the rush is.

Statistics Act  Today, we have been debating Bill C-36, an act to amend the Statistics Act. From the preamble of the bill, we know that this bill's aim is to strengthen the independence of Statistics Canada. It would assign to the chief statistician powers related to the methods, procedures, and operations of Statistics Canada.