Debates of Oct. 20th, 2025

Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Winnipeg North, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciate the question. I have been consistent over the years, as I believe the Liberal Party has, in regard to the true value of immigration. Let us contrast that to the far-right leader of the Conservative Party. The far-right leader of the Conservative Party goes against, I would argue, many of the thoughts prairie MPs would have regarding some of the statements he has made publicly. This anti-immigrant messaging coming from the Conservative Party's leadership is very concerning.

As an example, I would challenge my Manitoba colleagues in the Conservative Party. We have a province that desperately wants to retain people who are on working visas and people who have working visas that are expiring. My Conservative colleagues from Manitoba know that, yet they sit on their hands and are quiet when we have rural communities in Manitoba advocating for something their leader is saying no to. That is irresponsible leadership coming from the Conservative Party, whether it is immigration or even the issue of the RCMP, and I'll save that for another time.

L'Aurore boréale

[Brendan Hanley, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Speaker, it is with immense northern pride that I congratulate L'Aurore boréale for being named newspaper of the year at the 2025 francophone press awards of excellence in September. This tremendous honour clearly shows the heart and soul that the newspaper puts into every issue.

L'Aurore boréale was also recognized for its magnificent bilingual digital project entitled "The Yukon Celebrates its 125th anniversary", produced in collaboration with the Yukon francophone historical society. This project pays tribute to the rich and resilient history of Yukon's francophone community. The newspaper also won the award of excellence for its digital presence for the third year in a row.

To all those who contribute to this remarkable publication, I say bravo and thank you. They make the Yukon proud. May L'Aurore boréale continue to inspire, inform, and unite for many years to come.

Forestry Industry

[Rob Morrison, Conservative, Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, BC]

Mr. Speaker, in Columbia—Kootenay—Southern Rockies, forestry is not just an industry; it is a way of life. From small family-run mills like Huscroft, Kalesnikoff, ATCO, Porcupine and Mardis in the Kootenays to the dedicated men and women working across the southern Rockies, the forest sector is the backbone of our local economy. However, once again, these hard-working Canadians are being left behind.

The Liberal government has failed to secure a new softwood lumber agreement with the United States, leaving our producers facing uncertainty and unfair trade barriers. Despite these challenges, our small mills continue to push forward, investing, modernizing and finding innovative ways to stay competitive, but they are doing it without the support of the Liberal government, which should be standing up for them. They are not asking for handouts; they are asking for fairness, stability and leadership that will fight for their livelihoods.

Conservatives will always stand by our forest families and the communities that depend on this vital sector.

Gender Equality

[Chi Nguyen, Liberal, Spadina—Harbourfront, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, we celebrated the 96th anniversary of the Persons Case, when the Famous Five fought to have women recognized as persons in Canada. Their courage reshaped democracy in this country.

Across Canada, women are transforming government, business and public life. We are delivering on the national $10-a-day child care program, a national action plan to end gender-based violence, a permanent national school food program and, soon, free contraception for more choice and control. All of these initiatives have a profoundly positive impact on all Canadians, but especially on our mothers, sisters and daughters.

However, progress is not equality. In 2023, women's workforce participation lagged 6.6 points behind men's, a gap that if closed could add $150 billion to our economy. Gender-based violence still costs Canadians $7.4 billion every year.

Nearly a century later, the fight for equality is far from over. It is our turn to finish what the Famous Five so bravely began.

Courage in Leadership

[Glen Motz, Conservative, Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, AB]

Mr. Speaker, the world desperately needs more people who do not fold under pressure, but who are guided by grace and use their influence not for personal gain, but for justice, those who are willing to stand in the gap for others, to boldly speak the truth, to protect the vulnerable, to fight against injustice and to take risks to do what is right.

I believe these are the kinds of people we are all called on to be, people who are willing to step up and speak out even when it is uncomfortable or perhaps even risky. Too often we shrink back from those moments. We choose silence. We fear conflict. We act impulsively or we accuse.

There is a better way. We can choose our moments carefully, deliver our words with wisdom and clarity, act with courage and always be respectful. Courageous people do not wait for safer circumstances; they step forward in faith and trust God with the outcome.

We must remember that our influence matters. Our voices can be used to bring justice, freedom, hope and life, but only if we are willing to use them.

Cindy Ouellet

[Jacques Ramsay, Liberal, La Prairie—Atateken, QC]

Mr. Speaker, this month, as we celebrate women who inspire, innovate and transform the world around them, I would like to highlight the stellar journey of a young woman named Cindy Ouellet, a top paralympian in wheelchair basketball and para nordic skiing, a demanding discipline in which she excels.

She has represented Canada at four summer games and once at the winter games. Although she trains for four to six hours a day, she also holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from USC, and she is currently doing her second doctorate in neuroscience at Université Laval.

Ms. Ouellet was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12, and she is now studying so that she can soon help to create a new hip replacement. That is what is known as turning challenges into opportunities. Cindy Ouellet is living proof that women are excelling more than ever in multiple fields. Let us congratulate this athlete, scientist, leader and model of resilience.

Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

[Amarjeet Gill, Conservative, Brampton West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in the chamber to join families of Brampton West, millions of Canadians and billions around the world in celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, and Bandi Chhor Divas. Though the traditions may differ with different cultures, their message is universal: hope, unity and renewal. At a time when many are struggling and the world feels heavy with pain, these celebrations remind us to look forward with optimism.

I am proud to join our Conservative leader and colleagues in celebrating Diwali here on Parliament Hill and across our beautiful country. Conservatives will always stand up for the values that unite us: faith, family and freedom.

To everyone celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas in Brampton West and across Canada, may this Diwali bring joy, peace and prosperity to all. Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

Intentional Community Consortium

[Vince Gasparro, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this week, members of the Intentional Community Consortium are in Ottawa for their annual day on the Hill. Representing more than 60 agencies across Canada, the consortium advocates for affordable and supportive housing solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities across Canada.

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to visit one of its member projects, the Frankfort Family Reena Residence, located in my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence, with chair Gary Gladstone. This project will provide homes for an estimated 168 individuals and will include specialized units for complex health care needs, along with options for independent and shared living.

At a time when we need to build not only more housing, but also a greater diversity of housing, I would like to thank the Intentional Community Consortium for the important work it does to build stronger communities where everyone can live with dignity and care.

I hope members will join me and hon. colleagues from the Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois at a reception this evening from five to seven in the Speaker's lounge.

Provincial Election in Newfoundland and Labrador

[Clifford Small, Conservative, Central Newfoundland, NL]

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate premier-elect Tony Wakeham and the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador on their victory in last week's provincial election. I give a special thanks to all who put their names forward, regardless of political stripe. The willingness to be involved strengthens our democracy.

After 10 costly years of a Liberal government that too often collaborated with its federal Liberal friends to ignore our fisheries, stifle opportunity in our offshore oil and gas sector, and ignore rising crime, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have chosen a new direction. Tony Wakeham ran a positive, solutions-based campaign that put working people, rural communities, resource development and health care back at the centre of the province's future. This victory is a clear message that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are ready for leadership that listens, acts and delivers results.

I look forward to working with the incoming PC government for all of us.

Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Week

[Christine Normandin, Bloc, Saint-Jean, QC]

Mr. Speaker, from October 20 to 26, Quebec is celebrating Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Week. I am sure that everyone in the House knows someone who deserves to be honoured today. I know that my colleague, the member for Mirabel, is thinking about his mother-in-law, who is an educator. Personally, I want to give a shout-out to Ms. Awa, whom I entrusted with my own little guy this morning. I appreciate her kindness and her warm smile.

For our little ones, early childhood education professionals provide their first real experience of school. Early childhood educators do not just keep watch over our little ones. They awaken their minds, they listen to them and they offer reassurance and encouragement. Day in and day out, our children are in good hands. However, the role of early childhood educators goes even further than that. Thanks to their dedication, caring and creativity, they are shaping tomorrow's society and contributing to its success. They are building the future.

On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, and especially on behalf of all the little munchkins whose lives they forever change, I offer my heartfelt thanks to early childhood educators.

Canadian Women's Track and Field Champion

[Jessica Fancy-Landry, Liberal, South Shore—St. Margarets, NS]

Mr. Speaker, during Women's History Month, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary female athlete from my riding of South Shore—St. Margarets, Sarah Mitton of Liverpool, Queens County, Nova Scotia. Sarah is a history-maker, one throw at a time. Born and raised in Liverpool, she has become one of Canada's greatest track and field athletes.

A national champion in her junior years, Sarah burst onto the international scene by capturing gold at the 2019 Summer Universiade, or the World University Games. In 2022, Sarah made our country proud once again by winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and setting multiple Canadian records in shot put. She also became the first Canadian woman ever to reach the world championship final in her event, a remarkable milestone. She went on to represent Canada at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, proudly wearing the maple leaf on the world's biggest stage.

While she competes among the world's best—

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

The hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George.

Softwood Lumber

[Todd Doherty, Conservative, Cariboo—Prince George, BC]

Mr. Speaker, since 2015, 11 mills have closed in my region. That is over 2,700 jobs lost, with 2,700 families that cannot feed their kids, cannot pay their mortgages and cannot pay their hydro bills. Vanderhoof lost 500 jobs. Prince George lost 1,000 jobs. Williams Lake lost 1,070 jobs. Quesnel lost 150 jobs, and 100 Mile House lost 160 jobs.

British Columbia used to be the largest producer of softwood in our nation, but since 2015, over 30 mills have closed and thousands of British Columbians are out of work, with communities destroyed and families unable to put food on the table.

The Prime Minister promised a deal with the U.S. Instead, tariffs on Canadian softwood have tripled. Conservatives are calling on the Prime Minister to do what he promised, which is to get a deal on softwood and protect our hard-working loggers, truckers and mill workers. Forestry families matter.

Italian Language

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Mr. Speaker, last week was the Week of the Italian Language in the World.

Canada and Italy share strong ties forged by a common history and decades of cultural, economic and political co-operation. As the son of Italian immigrants, I take pride in this rich relationship that shaped my life and the lives of millions of Italian Canadians who have made notable contributions to our country.

On behalf of the Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group, I invite all my colleagues to join us tomorrow at 5 p.m. for a reception with the theme “Italophony: Language Beyond Borders”.

The event will take place in the Speaker's dining room in the presence of His Excellency Alessandro Cattaneo, ambassador of Italy to Canada. It will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and lasting friendship between our two countries, and yes, there will be Italian food.

Automotive Industry

[Harb Gill, Conservative, Windsor West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, for generations, families in Windsor have been the beating heart of Canada's auto industry, building not just cars, but hope, stability and opportunity for countless Canadians. However, that hope is being tested today.

While auto workers are wondering what the future holds, the Liberal government is refusing to release the Stellantis contracts, the very documents that could show whether the promises made to our community are being kept.

Canadians deserve accountability, responsibility and transparency. They deserve to know if their tax dollars are protecting Canadian jobs or simply adding to corporate welfare with no accountability.

Windsor has carried Canada's industrial future on its shoulder for over 100 years. Our people have done their part. They have built the engines, the factories and the future. Now, it is time for the government to show some integrity and do its part. It must release the contracts today.

Diwali

[Bienvenu-Olivier Ntumba, Liberal, Mont-Saint-Bruno—L’Acadie, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to mark the beginning of Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by millions of people around the world, including here in Canada.

Diwali is a time of celebration, spirituality and renewal. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a time to gather with family, share meals, light lamps and renew community ties.

I want to wish a happy Diwali to everyone celebrating it in my riding of Mont‑Saint‑Bruno—L'Acadie and across the country.

May this celebration be a source of peace, prosperity and light.

The Economy

[Jacob Mantle, Conservative, York—Durham, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is fond of giving Canadians so-called economic lessons as though he alone commands the keys to wisdom. Well, let me share with him a lesson from the unforgiving school of real life and reality.

When governments run huge deficits, they unleash the scourge of inflation. When inflation rises, it strikes at the heart of our communities. The Georgina Community Food Pantry now feeds twice as many families because those families can no longer afford to feed themselves.

We have four simple things the government can do to reform itself and reverse course in this upcoming budget: eliminate the industrial carbon tax on farms and fertilizer; get rid of the fuel tax on the trucks that deliver our food and scrap the industrial carbon tax; scrap the food packaging tax; and stop printing money.

The Prime Minister is fond of giving lectures, but unfortunately, he remains stubbornly unteachable.

Local News in Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam

[Ron McKinnon, Liberal, Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, BC]

Madam Speaker, I am happy to welcome a new local newsroom serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster and Burnaby. It is called Freshet News, and its first edition went online on Sunday.

Local news is not a luxury. It is how neighbours learn what councils have decided, what local sports team won the game and what small businesses recently opened. The launch follows a community effort to save local news after local newspapers closed. Four veteran reporters stepped forward with a plan to build trusted coverage.

I thank Janis Cleugh, Cornelia Naylor, Mario Bartel and Theresa McManus for their leadership and service. Freshet News will value verification, reflect our diversity and ask tough questions to make public policy better. I welcome that scrutiny and will keep an open line. I congratulate Freshet News.

Taxation

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, in 10 budgets, the Liberals have doubled the national debt, doubled food bank line-ups and doubled housing costs. Every dollar the government spends comes out of the pockets of Canadians, whose fridges are empty.

Has the government learned the costly lesson that its deficits and taxes increase the cost of living? Will it get rid of its inflationary policies in its next budget?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, we will be speaking about these issues at length, but last week, the Leader of the Opposition put into question the independence of our judiciary and the integrity of the very police officers who put their lives on the line to protect him. Now he has an opportunity to set things right before the House.

The Leader of the Opposition has the next 30 seconds to make amends. Will he do so?

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are trying to distract from their inflation by talking about their corruption. They now have four inflationary taxes that apply to groceries: the industrial carbon tax on fertilizer and farm equipment, the tax on grocery packaging, the tax on diesel fuel and, finally, the inflation tax. Canadians can no longer afford to pay their food bills.

Will the government finally get rid of these Liberal taxes so Canadians can eat?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, we will have a lot of opportunity to talk about the imaginary taxes the Leader of the Opposition comes up with.

Last week, the Leader of the Opposition put into question the independence of our judiciary, of our prosecutors and of the police, the very police who put their lives on the line to protect him.

The Leader of the Opposition has the next 30 seconds to make amends, to apologize and to tell the people of this chamber, of the House, that he is sorry for what he said. We do not do that in Canada.

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals are trying to distract from their inflation and rising cost of living by talking about their corruption.

This will be the 10th Liberal budget. Already, the Liberals have doubled the debt, food bank line-ups and housing costs. Every dollar the government spends comes directly out of the pockets of Canadians who can no longer afford to eat and heat and house themselves. Their fridges are empty.

Will the Liberals learn these costly lessons? Will they cap their inflationary deficits and get rid of their insane taxes on groceries?

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has a vivid imagination. I would like to point out, for the record, that the Leader of the Opposition had two opportunities to apologize to the RCMP, our judges and our judicial system, and he refused to do so.

As for the alleged inflationary spending, the Leader of the Opposition has yet to suggest a single way to reduce spending or identify what spending or support for Canadians he considers to be inflationary.

Automotive Industry

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Leader of the Opposition]

Mr. Speaker, tragically, 3,000 auto workers in Brampton learned that the Prime Minister had sold them out and failed them in negotiations with the United States of America.

To make matters worse, the Liberal government and the Liberal finance minister forked over $15 billion in tax dollars to the company that is moving their jobs south. Surely the government would have negotiated a jobs guarantee for every single Canadian Stellantis employee.

Will the Liberals release that guarantee and the entire contract so Canadians know where their dollars went?