Debates of Oct. 23rd, 2025

Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, what we are seeing right now is an intentional direction, most likely from the whip's desk in the lobby for the Conservatives, to interrupt with points of order to try to silence the fact that I am bringing this up. They are so uncomfortable with this issue.

Let us talk about how uncomfortable they are. They will not even talk to reporters about it. Members should have seen the way they were fleeing down the hallways, running past reporters. The member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, who never misses an opportunity to say something, would not even stop to talk to the media about this. The member for Barrie South—Innisfil said, “Go, Blue Jays, go!” when he was asked a specific question about the RCMP. That is how worried they are about this issue.

It could all be resolved easily if the Leader of the Opposition would stand up and apologize for the comments he made, but he will not do that. I will tell members why he will not do it. It is because he has a history of doing this. He attacked Elections Canada when he was in government. He attacks the media. He attacked the Bank of Canada. He has a reputation for doing this, and he effectively gives a licence to all of his members to do the exact same thing.

I must admit that I was really surprised to hear, moments ago, a former law enforcement officer from the Conservative Party, the hon. member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, say there is a disconnect between the leadership and the rank and file within the RCMP. That is based on something he was told by a buddy of his, who presumably is in the RCMP. What a wildly outlandish statement to make. A statement like that is completely indefensible, unless he can defend it by talking about who made the comments.

The licence the Leader of the Opposition has given to his MPs is to act like this. I feel sorry for the four or five, and probably many more, Conservatives are rumoured to be getting ready to leave the party. I feel sorry for them because they have to be subjected to this. They have to be subjected to the comments from the member for Bow River. They have to be subjected to the comments from the member for Peace River—Westlock, and to the comments we heard from members who talked about the RCMP's lack of ability.

I will tell members one thing. On this side of the House, we will always stand up for the independence of the agencies of this country, including the RCMP. We will not allow our members to engage in this kind of blatant attack on the independence of them, which is exactly what we are seeing from the other side of the House. It is absolutely despicable. I do not know where he is from now, somewhere in Alberta, but the former member for Carleton, the Leader of the Opposition, should get up in the House and officially apologize to the RCMP for his behaviour.

[Marilyn Gladu, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON]

Mr. Speaker, this debate is supposed to be about Bill C-12, so my question is about Bill C-12. It is supposed to enhance border security, because a concern was expressed that has led to a tariff war, basically, with our neighbours to the south. Instead of reacting like the Mexicans did, who immediately put 10,000 resources in place at the border, the government announced getting 1,000 extra guards and have done nothing except put it off for five years.

Could the member explain why?

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I reject the premise of the question. She said that what I talked about had nothing to do with this debate. As a matter of fact, I quoted several members from her political party who made comments.

[An hon. member]

Oh, oh!

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman is laughing about it now, but I wonder if he agrees with the comments from the hon. member for Peace River—Westlock, who said, “The actions of the leadership of the RCMP...are indefensible in many instances.” The member spent years on the defence committee. Does he say the same thing about the members of our military, if he is so blatantly willing to laugh about the fact that members in his party are getting up and talking about the RCMP in this manner?

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, the RCMP is recognized around the world as a first-class organization and institution. That is how I am looking at this.

I would like to quote an article from the Winnipeg Free Press. In it, the leader of the Conservative Party said the leadership of the RCMP is “despicable”. He is reflecting on a Canadian institution that holds the highest amount of respect. I believe the leader of the Conservative Party owes all Canadians an apology for those remarks.

Would my colleague not agree that what is despicable are the actions of the leader of the Conservative Party?

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, yes, and at first I thought it was only the Leader of the Opposition, but now he can add another four or five names to that, including the member for Peace River—Westlock, the member for Bow River, the member for Vernon—Lake Country—Monashee and the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, who have all made accusations about the RCMP during this debate on Bill C-12.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Mr. Speaker, we are witnessing quite a spectacle today. The member for Kingston and the Islands and his Liberal colleagues have just woken up. There is no one to speak to Bill C-12. The member just arrived, though the House has been in session since 10 a.m. Where were his colleagues? I am asking them to take this more seriously, to be a little more diligent. The government put Bill C‑12 on the agenda for debate and then it did not send anyone to speak to the bill.

As we know, when someone wants to hide their shortcomings, they talk about other people. That is exactly what my colleague from Kingston and the Islands just did. I would like him to tell me honestly why his party did not send anyone to speak to the bill today. Is there some sort of cancel culture at work among the Liberals that is preventing them from speaking to their own bill?

[Mark Gerretsen, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of debate on this issue, including the previous version of Bill C-12, Bill C-2. We have provided hours upon hours of debate on this.

The member is not new here. He knows the way this works. He knows that, if one side stops speaking, all the speeches will continue to go to the other side until somebody from this side wants to get up. That is how a debate works. I have been sitting in the House, listening to the Conservatives attack the RCMP all day long, and I felt the need to get up to defend it. I wish the Bloc would start defending a national organization like that.

Retirement Congratulations

[Wade Chang, Liberal, Burnaby Central, BC]

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Antonia Beck, an inspiring community leader from Burnaby, on the occasion of her retirement as CEO of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House.

Nearly 30 years ago, Antonia helped to establish a small volunteer program, with five people, $25 and a shared Canadian dream. Today, BNH has nearly 150 staff members and hundreds of amazing volunteers. Through her extraordinary leadership, her dream has grown into a vibrant network serving families, newcomers, youth and seniors. Because of her work, children have a safe place to learn, newcomers have built lasting connections and seniors enjoy a renewed sense of purpose.

Antonia has shown what is possible when we lead with heart. Because of her vision, Burnaby stands stronger, more compassionate and more connected than ever. On behalf of Burnaby Central and the House, I thank Antonia for proving that, when we invest in each other, we strengthen the very fabric of Canada.

Justice

[Connie Cody, Conservative, Cambridge, ON]

Mr. Speaker, during constituency week, I had the privilege of joining a ride-along with the south division police in Cambridge. I have always respected the work our frontline officers do, but seeing their focus and professionalism first-hand was a powerful reminder of the challenges they face every single day.

That night, officers were on alert for Kevin Koehler, a violent repeat offender released after serving only 10 years for choking his elderly roommate to death. Despite a clear warning from police that he posed a significant risk to public safety, he was back in our community, and within just one day, he breached his release conditions. He was picked up the same night, during my ride-along. This is not just frustrating. It is dangerous.

The Liberal government's soft-on-crime, revolving-door justice system forces officers to repeat hard work while communities remain at risk. I thank the south division for allowing me to join its patrol. I thank all officers across the country for their service. I will always stand with them. They deserve more than our gratitude They deserve a justice system that has their backs.

Local Business in Kanata

[Jenna Sudds, Liberal, Kanata, ON]

Mr. Speaker, today, an amazing company called Solink, an AI-first, Canadian scale-up and global leader in AI-powered video and data intelligence, celebrated the opening of its newly expanded headquarters, joined by the Minister of Artificial Intelligence in celebrating this milestone.

I first met the Solink team back in 2015, when it was a team of just 20. Today, Solink has grown into a leading technology company, with over 400 employees supporting more than 35,000 locations across 60 countries. Its cutting-edge platform helps businesses harness video and sensor data, while connecting artificial intelligence to the physical world and maintaining the highest standards of privacy.

Solink is a true Kanata and Canadian success story, staying proudly connected to its local roots. I send my congratulations to Solink.

Canadian Armed Forces

[Mike Dawson, Conservative, Miramichi—Grand Lake, NB]

Mr. Speaker, as we approach Remembrance Day, I am mindful of the sacrifices of those who served our nation. We remember their courage. We honour their duty, and we thank them for our liberty.

I am ashamed that our government intends to restrict public expressions of faith in our military, or in plain terms, to ban prayer. It is cowardice to ask our sons and daughters to put themselves in harm's way but refuse them the right to express their faith in God. To deny those who provide our freedom the right to openly pray is an insult to those who never came home.

Monsignor Hickey of the North Shore Regiment would tell us that a dying man on a foreign shore only asks for one of two things: His mother or his God.

I urge Canadians to wear a poppy, visit a cenotaph, attend a ceremony and say a prayer. I urge Canadians to teach their children to pray and take time to explain to a new Canadian the importance of this sacred day. Please pray for those who served, for those who continue to serve and for our nation itself.

Lest we forget.

Marie-Reine Larivière

[Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, Liberal, Hochelaga—Rosemont-Est, QC]

Mr. Speaker, as this is Women's History Month in Canada, I would like to pay tribute to Marie-Reine Larivière. Hers may not be a household name, but she has led a noteworthy life.

Who among us can celebrate 58 years of service?

I met Ms. Larivière at the Barilla plant in Hochelaga. In among the impressive machinery, I spotted a tiny woman with bright eyes and a mischievous smile. I walked up to her to say hello. She proudly shook my hand and said that she had been there since 1967.

The real history of the Barilla plant, formerly Catelli, resides not in computers, but in this woman: Marie-Reine Larivière, who refuses to even think about retirement.

Marie-Reine is the epitome of quiet perseverance, never loud but always commanding respect. Her commitment to passing on her knowledge is commendable.

By sharing Marie-Reine's story during this month-long celebration, I am honouring all of the creative, generous women who are involved in their communities.

Retirement Congratulations

[Blake Richards, Conservative, Airdrie—Cochrane, AB]

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the incredible legacy being left behind by the Airdrie Food Bank's executive director, Lori McRitchie, as she takes her well-earned retirement after more than two decades of tireless work in making sure that no one in our community ever goes hungry.

From the small beginnings of a school breakfast program, which eventually merged with the food bank and turned into a dedicated, purpose-built facility designed to help families in need, Lori has been there through every iteration of the food bank, constantly adapting to the ever-changing needs of a growing city. She has demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering compassion. She has had a profound impact on the fabric of our community. She also leaves the organization in good hands with a strong foundation and a very clear vision for the future, which is a community where no one is hungry.

As we go into the holiday season, l would like to remind everyone that food banks need our help all year long. In the spirit of Lori's legacy, I remind everyone to please give what they can so that no one ever goes hungry. I wish Lori a long and joyful retirement with more time spent with her wonderful family. She has more than earned it.

Oil and Gas in Calgary Confederation

[Corey Hogan, Liberal, Calgary Confederation, AB]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Kiwetinohk Energy, headquartered in Calgary, achieved a significant energy industry milestone with a new Canadian longest well record of almost 9,500 meters. That is almost 10 kilometres, and yes, members heard that right.

The distance of 10 kilometres is the distance from the University of Calgary to the Glenmore Reservoir, the distance from Parliament Hill to the Ottawa Airport, the average cruising altitude of a commercial plane and longer than Mount Everest is tall. The skilled team drilled more than four kilometres vertically and five kilometres laterally, which means they can access more subsurface oil and gas with less land disturbance. Importantly, it was also done safely/ They worked for more than 25 days to finish.

This is a Canadian energy industry leadership milestone that deserves recognition. It is innovation that will grow our economy, create jobs and generate public revenues in a responsible way.

Forestry Industry

[Helena Konanz, Conservative, Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay, BC]

Mr. Speaker, lumber jobs remain under threat by the unjustified U.S. tariffs, but workers are not hearing from the Liberals that they are making this a priority in negotiations. The Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance said, “We're deeply disappointed” by the Prime Minister not even mentioning lumber jobs in D.C.

Silence will not help the mill workers I met in Grand Forks last week. They told me they do not know how they are going to make their mortgage payments. The uncertain future of the mill is not just impacting forestry workers. It is impacting teachers, mechanics and the whole community. The residents I spoke with are not just worried about the loss of their jobs. They are worried about the loss of their neighbours.

Grand Forks needs the same kind of softwood agreement Conservatives secured in government and that the Liberals have failed to negotiate for the last decade. If the Liberals will not act for our forestry workers, the Conservatives will.

Kraft Hockeyville 2025

[Yves Perron, Bloc, Berthier—Maskinongé, QC]

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge a victory that thrilled all of Quebec. Saint‑Boniface's volunteer committee, known as the Irréductibles, has been working overtime to win us a historic opportunity.

On April 5, everyone held their breath as Saint‑Boniface was crowned the winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2025, a feat that was highlighted on October 7 with an award from the Association québécoise du loisir public.

The prize for winning Kraft Hockeyville is $250,000 to renovate the arena, equipment for young hockey players, food donations and the privilege of hosting an NHL game in 2026.

Saint‑Boniface inspires us with its team spirit and its incredible ability to rally around a passion for hockey. It is a place where people come together and bond over a sense of belonging and shared memories. Congratulations to Saint‑Boniface for being the perfect example of what commitment and teamwork look like.

Small Business Week

[Ernie Klassen, Liberal, South Surrey—White Rock, BC]

Mr. Speaker, across Canada, we celebrate Small Business Week. I rise to recognize the entrepreneurs who form the backbone of my riding of South Surrey—White Rock.

Before entering public life, I spent over 30 years as a small business owner. First it was Imagemakers photography, then Ashberry & Logan, The Art of Flowers. I understand small business. There are long hours, financial risks, pressures of making payroll and the personal sacrifices families make. I also know the pride that comes from serving someone's own community and building something lasting. I have had the privilege of visiting many local businesses owners, listening to their stories, and learning about their successes and the challenges they face. Small businesses are pillars in our communities. They deserve our recognition throughout the year.

I thank the business owners in our communities for their dedication and for everything they do to make Canada stronger, more vibrant and more connected. I ask everyone to please support their local businesses.

Canada Revenue Agency

[Steven Bonk, Conservative, Souris—Moose Mountain, SK]

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General's report exposes yet another example of Liberal incompetence, this time at the Canada Revenue Agency.

Since 2015, the CRA's operating expenses have grown from $4.1 billion to $6.9 billion. That is a 70% increase, but Canadians are not getting better service; they are waiting longer than ever.

Last year alone, the CRA received more than 32 million calls, yet one in four of those calls was abandoned before an agent even got around to answering it. Under Liberal mismanagement and incompetence, if finally someone did get through, they were given the wrong information 83% of the time. After nine years of Liberal waste and bureaucracy, even calling the tax agent is an ordeal.

Conservatives will restore confidence, accountability and respect for the Canadians who keep this country running.

With Liberals, why is it that Canadians always pay more, but get less?

Public Transit

[Michael Coteau, Liberal, Scarborough—Woburn, ON]

Mr. Speaker, there is some big news coming from Scarborough. Our government is investing billions into Scarborough transit.

The Scarborough subway station will extend line 2 from Kennedy Station to Sheppard Avenue, stopping at McCowan Road and the Scarborough Town Centre. This will cut travel times and connect residents to jobs, schools and services.

This is one of the largest transit investments in the history of my city. Up to $2 billion is being invested into the Scarborough extension. This means more jobs and more economic growth while reducing congestion and emissions with a cleaner, more efficient transit system.

This is about investing in our community, investing in our city and investing in our future.

Government Spending

[Jonathan Rowe, Conservative, Terra Nova—The Peninsulas, NL]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister told a room full of students that they are going to have to make sacrifices. This is the kind of silver spoon attitude young people are sick of.

The only reason this country is in this mess is because the Liberal government shut down our industries and spent more than it could afford. It robbed us. It spent all its money and then borrowed billions of dollars, expecting my generation to pay for it. The Liberals’ overspending has driven inflation to the point where we cannot afford the same quality of life our parents had. We cannot afford a home. We cannot afford an education.

We cannot even afford groceries, which are up 4%. In a CBC article in Newfoundland this morning a MUN student said that he used to spend $400 per month for groceries and now has to pay $700.

Young people are saying they have to sacrifice having children because of the Liberal government's overspending.

Why does my generation have to make sacrifices so Liberal governments can continue to release deficit budgets with massive overspending, leaving my generation with the bill?

Brain Cancer Awareness Day

[Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Liberal, Moncton—Dieppe, NB]

Mr. Speaker, in honour of Brain Cancer Awareness Day happening this October 24, I would like to pay a special tribute to an incredible family who is near and dear to my heart.

The Boyle family was forever changed when Andrew Boyle lost his 10-year long battle with brain cancer back in 2022.

Undeterred by such a devastating loss, his amazing wife Danielle, a friend and former colleague of mine, and their two beautiful children Austin and Naomi have channelled their grief into hope and action by becoming remarkable ambassadors for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Their team, Boyle's Brainiacs, have knocked on countless doors in their community, sharing their journey with everyone and raising an amazing $6,000 for the cause in the process.

Naomi and Austin have raised $1,000 each. They have not only kept the memory of their late father alive, but also serve as shining examples of youth who deserve recognition in the House.

I say well done to Naomi and Austin. Their dad would be proud.

Cost of Living

[Eric Melillo, Conservative, Kenora—Kiiwetinoong, ON]

Mr. Speaker, last night the Prime Minister told a room full of students that they are going to have to make sacrifices.

They have already had to sacrifice their dream of home ownership. Over 70% of young Canadians are worried that they will never be able to afford a down payment. They have paid the price as food costs have exploded, nearly 4%, year over year, in September. They spent the whole summer without jobs. Youth unemployment is nearly 15%, the highest it has been since 2010, outside of the pandemic years.

Two-thirds of Canadians now feel the next generation is going to have a lower standard of living than Canadians have today.

Our youth should not have to sacrifice any more for Liberal failures. They have sacrificed far too much over 10 long years.

The situation is dire, but thankfully there is a solution. A Conservative government will cut taxes on food, work and homebuilding, lower inflation and reduce red tape to get more homes built and restore the promise of Canada.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Mr. Speaker, throughout my nearly four decades of policing, I was always inspired by the fact that one of Canada's most enduring national symbols was a police officer on a horse, a Mountie, a member of the RCMP.

The RCMP's motto is “Maintiens le Droit”, which means maintain the right and uphold the law. The RCMP is perhaps the most trusted institution in our country, and it is a source of national pride.

The basis of that trust is the fact that Canada is a rule-of-law country, a country where the police are independent from all political interference in their operations, investigations and prosecutions. In Canada, the police are not subject to the dictates of some feckless politician who would seek to compel the police to lock up his opponents without evidence or legal basis.

That is why Canadians were so shocked to hear the Leader of the Opposition so casually call the RCMP “despicable” for maintaining the right and upholding the law. I now know he denies saying what we all heard him say, but I would ask every member of the House to reflect on the impact that such scurrilous remarks can have.