Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important work of the Tradesman Association of British Columbia, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the skilled trades and strengthening our construction industry. Through education, safety training and professional development, the association helps tradespeople build successful careers while promoting high standards of workmanship and saf…
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Mr. Speaker, on this particular question, I agree with the member. When there was a non-controlled border location where people were moving into Quebec and piling up those claims, we, as a federal government, were fully committed to making sure that we were able to provide the resources that the Government of Quebec and Quebeckers needed to deal with those situations. I personally support him on t…
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Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the hon. member for Winnipeg North for being the seconder to Bill C-239, and for his support and inspiration to me as I brought this forward. I am hearing a lot of resentment from the opposition, particularly the Conservative Party. Conservatives think they believe in accountability, but they do not. In fact, if they really believed in accountability in h…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with not only a good friend of mine, but in fact a great friend of the Sikh community, the hon. member for Winnipeg North. The interim federal health program, or IFHP, is a temporary program. It supports people who do not yet have provincial or territorial health coverage. It is also an important tool to protect the health and safety of Canadians while suppor…
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Mr. Speaker, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the hon. member. He is very compassionate and a very good friend of the Sikh community. As I mentioned earlier, there are accountability issues with health care. That is why I brought in Bill C-239, which proposes to strengthen accountability under the Canada Health Act. I would request that the hon. member for Cariboo—Prince George and his le…
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Mr. Speaker, any person who claims to be a citizen, either by descent or by naturalization, has to go through criminal and security checks. That is what I personally believe and what this Parliament believes, and that legislation is in place.
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Mr. Speaker, in fact, if we look at this motion, it is nothing but politics. It has no solutions. The only solution is the immediate action we need on the ground to catch those criminals. I want to tell the hon. member that I brought up that the CFSEU-BC should be deployed in British Columbia. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Safety, the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime and the B.…
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Mr. Speaker, in his speech, the hon. member mentioned foreign interference. In fact I am very familiar with the issue because I brought in a motion in the previous Parliament to deal with foreign interference. In fact our government brought in Bill C-70 to deal with those situations as well. I would like the hon. member to tell the House what kind of foreign interference he is hearing about on the…
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Madam Speaker, extortion has been a key issue in British Columbia. I have been on this file almost every day, talking to the secretary of state, the Minister of Public Safety or even the Prime Minister. The Conservatives are playing games when it comes to dealing with extortion. I would ask the hon. secretary of state what the Conservatives can do immediately to deal with this situation instead of…
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Mr. Speaker, it is quite evident that Bill C-2, which would give lawful access to police forces, Bill C-12, which deals with asylum seekers, and Bill C-14, which deals with bail reforms, are the bills that police chiefs, premiers and the public want. There is only one party, the Conservative Party, that is blocking those bills and not letting them pass. The Conservatives are the ones who are putti…
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Mr. Speaker, recently, members might have noticed that some of the criminals who are trying to commit crimes are seeking asylum. When we see Bill C-12, which has already gone through the House, pass through the Senate and get royal assent, they will not be eligible to claim asylum, effective June 2025. What I am hearing on the ground is that the people who are caught should not be free. They shoul…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with my colleague, the hon. member for Surrey Centre. Let me begin clearly: Extortion is a serious crime. It terrorizes families, threatens small business owners and undermines confidence in public safety. In Surrey and across British Columbia, I have met with constituents who are living in fear. They deserve real solutions, not political theatre. The Conserv…
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Mr. Speaker, small businesses in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and across Canada are being targeted by organized extortion. Businesses are receiving threats. Families are afraid, and communities are under real pressure from criminal groups that use fear and violence. This is happening in our neighbourhoods and on our streets, and it requires urgent action from Parliament. Our government h…
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Madam Speaker, I have publicly supported the MOU, and if the Leader of the Opposition had included the MOU in its complete form, I would have supported that as well. My colleague from British Columbia is right: The Leader of the Opposition either uses slogans or plays politics. If the member could explain a little more how he is playing politics with British Columbians, that would be great.
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Mr. Speaker, last week, the President of the Treasury Board held and co-hosted a summit on reduction of red tape, bringing together leaders from across the country. Could the president update the House on what came out of this summit and how this work will help cut red tape, speed up approvals and strengthen Canada's economy?
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Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament in relation to the motion adopted on Monday, November 24, 2025, regarding the quorum and mandate of the committee.
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Mr. Speaker, last week in Surrey, federal, provincial and local leaders, along with law enforcement agencies, came together for an anti-extortion summit to address the growing threat extortion crimes bring to our communities. Extortion, often tied to organized crime, puts families and small businesses at risk. Our government, led by our Prime Minister, is taking strong and coordinated action. We a…
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Mr. Speaker, today marks the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, a towering figure not only in Sikh history but also in the history of humanity. His supreme sacrifice to defend freedom of conscience and to protect the rights of those persecuted is a timeless lesson in moral courage. Long before the world spoke of universal human rights, Guru Tegh Baha…
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Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago, human rights defender Jaswant Singh Khalra stood here in Ottawa to urge parliamentarians to pay attention to the disappearances and unlawful killings of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab, India. Just months after that visit, he was abducted, tortured and killed for his courage and conviction. Before his tragic death, he shared a powerful message, one that continues to inspire…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the proposed improvements to the Newton Athletic Park in the heart of Surrey Newton. Thanks to budget 2025, federal funding will support a new artificial turf field, a practice field, tennis courts and lighting for the walking paths. By creating a more welcoming environment, this project will promote active living, foster community well-being and maximize the park'…
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Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to speak in support of budget 2025, a budget that lays out a bold, forward-looking plan to build a stronger, more resilient Canada. At its core, budget 2025 recognizes that Canada stands at a turning point. Around the world, we see shifting trade relationships, rising global uncertainty, an increasingly competitive international economy and increasing int…
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Pickering—Brooklin. I rise today to speak in strong support of Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, which is a landmark piece of legislation that responds to the urgent call for safer communities and a justice system that reflects the seriousness of violent and repeat offending. For too long, Canadians have been frustrated as ind…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his work when it comes to protecting people in Surrey, where we both come from. An issue particularly on the rise there is extortion. How would the bill help to make people feel safe in their communities from acts of extortion?
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Mr. Speaker, I knew the member when he was part of the provincial assembly in B.C., and he was sleeping all the time while crimes were being committed. Policing is a provincial responsibility, but he did nothing then, and he is doing nothing constructive right now, just making this a political circus.
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Mr. Speaker, the hon. member from Edmonton should know that when it comes to the reverse onus, this bill addresses that, and people who commit serious crimes will stay behind bars. Also, consecutive sentences will address the issues that are important in his riding. I have travelled to his riding. This is also happening in my riding and across Canada. The hon. member should not play politics and s…
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Mr. Speaker, I was recently in Edmonton, in fact, in the hon. member's riding. People there were complaining about two major issues, or actually three. The first was health care, because they are not getting the health care they deserve. The second was extortion, and the third was immigration. I can tell everyone that if this hon. member is concerned about the accountability and transparency every…
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Mr. Speaker, I will give the hon. member two examples from British Columbia. One is the Kelowna example. It is very clear that the person was out on bail when he committed the offence of murder. The other example is an offender from Manitoba who was out on bail, went to White Rock and committed a murder there. These are the types of cases bringing people in my constituency to tell me that we have …
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Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier to the hon. members from the Bloc Québécois, the bill would not impose federal jurisdiction over the provinces. However, when I go to my constituency, or anywhere in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada, people come to me and say they cannot find a family doctor and cannot get their elective surgeries in time; the wait times are way too long. People do not know wh…
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Mr. Speaker, I have been elected six times, and during every election I have been through, people have come to me and have not looked at whether a person is a provincial representative or a local one. All people care about is that the accountability for the care they need is open and transparent. As I said, the bill would not intervene in the jurisdiction of any province, including Alberta, but wh…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his support in caucus and for bringing issues forward. The major issue facing my constituents and British Columbians right now is extortion. It is the key concern in my riding and across Canada. This legislation would crack down on extortionists by making bail harder to get. Once someone commits the crime of extortion, they should stay behind bars. …
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Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize the Nisa Foundation for its invaluable work supporting women and children in Surrey Newton and communities across Canada. Through its Nisa homes program, led by program director Syma Nehal, the organization provides safe, culturally responsive housing, counselling and wraparound supports to those fleeing violence, poverty or homelessness. The Nisa Foundation…
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moved that Bill C-239, An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (accountability), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the hon. member for Winnipeg North for seconding this bill and the many others who jointly seconded it. It is an honour to rise today to speak in support of my private member's bill, Bill C-239, an act to amend the Cana…
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians want safe neighbourhoods in which families and businesses can thrive. Last week, I was proud to join my B.C. colleagues in Surrey for an echo announcement highlighting our government’s new steps to combat crime. These measures include tougher bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, stronger penalties for organized retail theft and the addition of 1,000 new RCMP personn…
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Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the hon. member for the work he did as minister of immigration and minister responsible for international development. He touched on how the motion would create opportunities for Canadians. Can he expand on how Canada's international development work can create and strengthen economic opportunities for Canadians?
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Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the hon. member for Saskatoon West on the immigration committee in the past. We both understand that we need immigration. At the same time, we have to curb these criminals and the people who are trying to come to our country illegally. That is why we are putting Bill C-12 together, giving our CBSA officers and RCMP officers more tools and resources to deal with the …
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Mr. Speaker, whether it is in Scarborough or in Surrey, people are concerned about security. Surrey is a border city when it comes to the U.S. border. This is exactly what they were asking for to strengthen our borders and make sure that CBSA officers have the tools and resources to deal with this, whether it is illegal firearms or drugs that are flowing into our country. They would be able to sea…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-12, the strengthening Canada’s immigration system and borders act. This legislation would protect Canadians, secure our borders and uphold the integrity of our immigration system. I am proud to support this legislation, which would help keep Canadians safe. There is no greater priority for our government than keeping our communities safe and our econo…
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I, along with the parliamentary secretary, were able to announce 1,000 new police officers. Out of that, 150 police officers would be assigned to financial crime. That is a major issue that we are seeing in Surrey and other communities: cases of extortion and theft. These 150 new police officers would be able to deal with those issues effectively and make our communities sa…
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Mr. Speaker, these consumption sites are working in my community of Surrey. I can tell the member that, since they came in, they have made a big difference in the lives of people. We will continue to support those—
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar and his new book The Underdog. In 1995, Dr. Bhullar became the first Indo-Canadian veterinarian to open a low-cost clinic in Vancouver, making quality animal care affordable for all. He worked with animal welfare groups, helped train many immigrant veterinarians and built a model of inclusion, but his success faced barriers and discrim…
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Mr. Speaker, we need to have a cultural change. I am reading the new defence policy, and on page 17, it clearly mentions all we have to do. This is the work that was complemented by the introduction of Bill C-66. That work can only be completed if we get this bill through. The sooner we get that done, the sooner we will be able to achieve what we all want to achieve, which is justice for the membe…
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Mr. Speaker, out of those recommendations from Justice Arbour's report, more than 20 have been implemented. Every recommendation will be implemented by the end of 2025, including this bill, which is the last one. As the hon. member said, let us get this bill passed and get it to committee so that we can focus on the other bills that Conservatives want to talk about.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize that this bill is not only about legal frameworks but also about cultural change. Our government is committed to building a Canadian Armed Forces that is inclusive, respectful and professional. That is why we are implementing all 48 of Justice Arbour’s recommendations, of which about 20 are already completed, and the rest will be done by the end of 2025. The last r…
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Mr. Speaker, some of the past incidents that have happened are awful and unacceptable. This is why we brought this bill forward. The members on the other side must be aware that this bill was brought forward in the previous Parliament as well, and because of the filibuster the Conservatives did, we could not get it passed. I ask the Conservative member to support this bill, so we can have it in co…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of Bill C-11. Those who serve our country deserve a Canadian Armed Forces that is safe, respectful and free from harassment, discrimination and misconduct. When harm does occur, they deserve a justice system that is clear and fair and that puts victims and survivors first. For far too long, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, especially women …
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Madam Speaker, on September 16, I got a note from Sarabjit Kaur of Abbotsford, because there were hateful comments made around the Nagar Kirtan they had in Abbotsford. She said, “What is the RCMP and other bodies doing about all these hateful things going on? I feel so unsafe about sending our kids out to school. Do you think schools like the Dasmesh School and Khalsa School should have more secur…
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Mr. Speaker, when it comes to Christians, I did mention places of worship, including churches. I will always keep on making sure that Christians are equally protected under Canadian law. When it comes to displaying any symbol of hate that is attacking any of those communities I mentioned, whether it is the Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Muslim or Hindu community, it will not be tolerated. This bill woul…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, a vital piece of legislation that would strengthen the Criminal Code to protect Canadians from acts of hatred, intimidation and obstruction in their communities. The bill introduces amendments to address two urgent areas: first, the intimidation and obstruction of people accessing community spaces and, second, hate-motivated …
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Mr. Speaker, when it comes to online cyberbullying, I have had a discussion with the minister responsible. He will be bringing a bill forward in the House of Commons that would address cyberbullying.
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Mr. Speaker, the member for Winnipeg North always has great interventions. I want to show the hon. member that the minister has clearly said that he is open to those changes. When it comes to committees, they have their own agendas, and if we get something there to be changed or modified, the minister is willing. I would love to see that happen as a constructive step moving forward.
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