Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, in Canada, October is also known as Latin American Heritage Month. We must applaud the late Senator Enverga for making this recognition possible. Today, I rise to thank organizers, publishers, writers, artists and volunteers, alongside representatives of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay, for contributing to FILibro Canada 2024.…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, I have had exchanges in this debate, and a constituent from Waterloo just asked me to ask about Dean Del Mastro, the former Canadian MP who was “convicted of cheating during the 2008 federal election and covering up his crime”, as The Canadian Press notes. “He was granted bail...but not before spending a night in jail after being marched to a waiting van wearing handcuffs and leg sh…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, on a point of order, I do not need somebody telling me how I feel in this House. I would ask him to stay focused on the debate at hand.
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, you had asked him to withdraw it, and then you had another point of order. Since you have already made that ask, it would only be suitable for members to respect the chair occupant and that he should withdraw—
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, I have a point of order. It has been asked by the Conservatives that both sides be treated the same. You have asked the member for Winnipeg North to withdraw the comment, and you repeated it to make him say it a second time. You have asked this member to, but I have not heard him do that yet.
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, we have been listening to this debate on a privilege motion for several days. Some people who are also listening to this debate are saying that several members from several parties agree that the committee should do its job. They are wondering why we have not had a vote. I would like to know if the member can give an answer that does not include a slogan. Why not vote now so the pro…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, the member spoke about the House of Commons and the fact that we do represent Canadians in this place. What I find interesting is the double standard when it comes to the common-sense Conservatives, because they believe that we represent Canadians here, yet they oftentimes do a lot of name-calling of people who are not in this chamber and unable to defend themselves, for example, Ma…
Read full speech →Orders of the Day
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would like it noted that the Conservative member would rather do name-calling than actually remove name-calling.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the debate today. Whenever we have debates like this, it restores some of my confidence and faith in this place. What we are recognizing is that people are living longer. That is where the narrative about those aged 75 and older came from. I have had some good conversations. I have been involved in politics since I was 13 years old. I know a lot of history and I know stor…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, it is good to be here. I would like to thank my colleague from Vaughan—Woodbridge for his great speech and for sharing his time so that I too can participate in the debate on the motion brought forward by the Bloc on supporting seniors. I will also be talking about the Canada pension plan. Before I get into it, I want to share a bit about what constituents in the riding of Waterloo ar…
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Mr. Speaker, I have been observing the House for a really long time. I find it fascinating that women are not being seen in this place. We know how opposition days work. We know, when it comes to questions being asked by a party, who should have the opportunity and who should not. You have been in the chair and you have said it. Today you have demonstrated, now as a third Speaker in the chair, tha…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I think that today's debate is much appreciated. I agree that we must support our seniors. I think that since we are marking National Seniors Day today, this is a good debate to have. However, I would like to ask a question. I know that my colleague will not answer my question, but I will still try to ask him a simple question. Is moving a motion during an opposition day the right w…
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Mr. Speaker, that is the purpose of a debate. There is nothing wrong with actually coming to the House of Commons and having an honest debate. I need to represent the diversity of concerns from my constituents. My inbox is not filled with messages saying, “Yes, let's increase it.” What constituents are saying is that they are not sure everyone needs this. They are not sure that this is the most fi…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. I agree that we must help the most vulnerable seniors, but I do not agree that there is just one way to do that. The work that our government has done has helped improve the programs for the most vulnerable, including seniors. It is important. I do not think that what the Bloc Québécois is proposing is the only way to help seniors and that is why…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, the Conservatives seem quite steadfast in wanting to take the government down, yet they do not seem to want to show up. May I please ask if there is quorum in the chamber?
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, even though I wanted to speak about government legislation on online harms, it is always an honour and privilege to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo. Although they have a diversity of perspectives and experiences, the one thing the majority of my constituents reference is the climate crisis and how to take it seriously. I will reference an article from May 16, 202…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, on a point of order, I did not intend to cause havoc in the House. I apologize. I am glad I was able to catch myself, but my intentions were not to use a word that was inappropriate in this chamber.
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Madam Speaker, I will just say to anybody who is actually paying attention to the debate and reading the legislation, that there is a substantial connection test to ensure that people do have strong ties to Canada. I would like to take this opportunity to do a public service announcement. We just had a Conservative member of Parliament stand up concerned that Canadians might exercise their right t…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleague. We want governments that can work and get things done. I heard several speeches yesterday. I was very proud to see that the Bloc Québécois understood that this was a citizenship issue, that we all had to work together and that it was very easy. If the Conservatives or members of the other parties want to propose amendments, we can work in committee and hav…
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Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for the work that she has done on this file. It has been a long time coming. It is important, when we can advance important legislation, that we do it. I do not want to consume much time trying to think about what the Conservatives think about. Every single time I think about the Conservatives, regardless of their leader, I do feel like my rights and freed…
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Madam Speaker, I really enjoy and have a lot of respect for this place. I hope it does not come down to having to use these kinds of tools. We are hearing that the Conservatives want to propose amendments. They have even tried to suggest them on the floor of the Commons to see if others might want to entertain them. All parties said, yes, they wanted to go to committee and debate those amendments,…
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Madam Speaker, I have been quite forthright in saying this is about Canadian citizenship. We can all work together to ensure that we are protecting Canadian citizenship. Let us look at the Conservative approach. Right away, the fingers come out. It is a pointing game. It is somebody's problem. The member might have been here or might not have been here, but what he does not realize is my grandfath…
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Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I regret to interrupt. I miss the member being closer, but I am glad to see him and welcome him back. This is a really important conversation on citizenship. I recognize the member wants to talk about immigration. I waited patiently with hope that he would come back to it. I really believe that we need to debate Bill C-71 and that we stay focused on the t…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I really do appreciate the shout-out that was given to Don Chapman. As I mentioned today and yesterday, I came to know Don Chapman when I worked for Andrew Telegdi, the former member of Parliament for Waterloo. I also really appreciated the member's insights at countering this false narrative by the Conservatives regarding Bill C-37, who then are intentionally choosing to forget that …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I appreciate that you did try to remind me and the member why we were here, and the fact that the member did not actually talk about Canadian citizenship. It is important for us to come back to Bill C-71 and to understand that, under the amendments under Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government, for Canadians serving in the Canadian Forces who had their babies on a Canadian …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I want to start by sharing that I put my phone on airplane mode to make sure that, if any interference were to in, it would not impact the interpreters. I just wanted to put that on the record as we go through the process of ensuring that our interpreters can do the important work that they do. I am on airplane mode in the hope that there will be no feedback. I appreciate that we ar…
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Madam Speaker, I was hoping to not get the commentary from the other side, but here it comes. I will just stay focused on the fact that this legislation is supported by a majority of members in the House. Conservatives actually sponsored a Senate bill along the lines of this bill. Members of this place expanded the scope of it, so Conservatives did not want to see that Senate public bill come to t…
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Madam Speaker, I know that I do sometimes speak in the House when it is not my turn, but when I do not speak and I am given that credit, I do not appreciate it. In the case the member referred to, it was actually not me speaking.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today to speak to Bill C-71. I would like to sincerely thank those who spoke before me and defended the interests of Canadians who lost their citizenship due to the complexity and shortcomings of previous legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act. Today, we will take the next step toward fairness and inclusion. For me, being Canadian means taking …
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties and, if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move: That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, during the debate pursuant to Standing Order 52, no quorum calls, dilatory motions or requests for unanimous consent shall be received by the Chair.
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments the member has shared, and I especially acknowledge the work that Don Chapman has done. I remember working for the former MP for Kitchener—Waterloo, Andrew Telegdi, and they had many conversations. I also take the point that this has been a long time coming and it is important that we get it done. I would like to ask the member about a private member's bill…
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Madam Speaker, I really enjoyed the member's speech. I get the impression from today's debate that the Conservatives want to present amendments in committee. The Bloc Québécois has its position and also wants to debate the issue in committee. We will listen to what the NDP wants to say, but from their questions, it seems as though they support this bill. Does the member think it is important that …
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Madam Speaker, I found it really fascinating listening to that member's comments. It is interesting that, in Canada, we have an elected House, so Canadians get to choose who they vote for. However, we also have an independent judicial process, and that independent court ruled the Harper legislation unconstitutional on multiple grounds. The member, rather than actually respecting our independent co…
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Madam Speaker, I did shout out to the minister, because there seems to be a will to see this legislation advanced. I was yelling out to say that we should call the question. What is clear from the official opposition is that for the Conservative Party of Canada, whether under the current leader or under Prime Minister Harper, there has always been two classes of Canadians and a change that they ma…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to represent the constituents of the riding of Waterloo here in the House of Commons. My best days in Ottawa are when constituents visit me to advocate on behalf of organizations and issues of importance to them, as well as to discover Parliament Hill and our House of Commons. Today, I rise to personally thank everyone who helps to make these experiences even more memo…
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Madam Speaker, the member once again gave us a lot to think about. It is interesting, because we often do not hear about some of the history and what decisions different governments made. What I find interesting is that he brought up the late Right Hon. Brian Mulroney, because it definitely demonstrates what a Progressive Conservative government is like versus what the neo-con Reform-Conservative …
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Madam Speaker, I do appreciate the conversation that is taking place today, and it is always an honour and a privilege to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo and to hear the comments made by colleagues on the other side. I will just remind the NDP members that it was their party that chose to bring down a Liberal government and that allowed former prime minister Stephen Harper and …
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the minister's comments, especially when it comes to making voting more accessible for more Canadians. Something I hear in the riding of Waterloo is how we will ensure that Canadians receive good information, real information, and people often remind me of the Conservative history, such as robocalls to ensure that people did not know where to vote. I think the Conservat…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-395, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (public transit workers). Mr. Speaker, 10 year ago, lawmakers took a crucial step to support frontline transit workers by broadening sentences for assaults on drivers. However, even at that time, we acknowledged that there was more work to be done. Each year, thousands of on-duty transit workers face violence while serving …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I would just like to ask for unanimous consent to make sure that the remaining people who want to present petitions are able to do so today.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I will try to go quickly because, unlike the Conservatives, I am actually concerned about other members in the House. Hundreds of constituents in the riding of Waterloo are petitioning the House of Commons, drawing to its attention what is taking place in Israel and Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. They are calling on Parliament to do everything in our power to bring…
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Mr. Speaker, I receive a lot of phone calls from constituents within the riding of Waterloo. Constituents often ask about this chamber. Right now, we are debating and will be voting on having to use time allocation to, once again, advance legislation. This morning I had meetings set up, and we had to go to orders of the day because we have an official opposition that refuses to call the question. …
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Mr. Speaker, I have the utmost confidence in our independent institutions, especially when it comes to our justice system. I know oftentimes people in this chamber like to pretend they are judge and jury, but I know there are people without partisan stripes who are able to do that work, and that is why that confidence remains. I also know that our justice system is not perfect and, though mistakes…
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Madam Speaker, I really appreciated the member's speech. One of the things I have heard people in my riding say is that it is important to restore trust in our systems, so the member's point was well received. I agree that there is a difference between intelligence and evidence and that we must have trust in our independent systems. How should we continue to move forward while restoring Canadians'…
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Madam Speaker, in the riding of Waterloo, there are a lot of connections to people in all provinces and territories, including the Maritimes, the east coast and Newfoundland and Labrador. I would like to hear from the minister about how the legislation would actually connect to the economic prosperity of Canada today and leading into the future. This is something that is on the minds of constituen…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I take very seriously the responsibilities bestowed upon me to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo. The member who just spoke talked about an email he received from a constituent in the riding of Waterloo, and I would ask that he share with me those concerns because I represent the diversity of opinions—
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Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the conversation and the debate today. I really appreciate the comments from our Conservative Party colleague. I think this is an opportunity to truly have a conversation about what we should do. It is natural for members who sit in the House to be a bit partisan. I wonder this. The Conservatives pull the fire alarm every chance they get. We have to find a way to m…
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Madam Speaker, I really appreciated the conversation taking place when it comes to the constitutionality of legislation and ensuring that we are not perhaps having unnecessary conversations. I really do appreciate the work that was done at committee. My question concerns his regard and respect for the independence of the judicial system and the important work that it does. We know that the Supreme…
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Madam Speaker, I really appreciate the comments that the member shared. I found them interesting. I always hear members of the Bloc Québécois talking about provincial jurisdictions. The legislative measure that we are examining will advance the work of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Today, from what I understand, the members of the Bloc Québécois will be voting against this bill. They …
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Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments that were made. I agree that the energy transition is very important. I agree that we need to fight climate change, and I understand that the amendments have been rejected. As I said a little earlier, we know that the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador supports this bill. Should we respect its will and its ability to promote its economic prosperity? Shou…
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