Ali Ehsassi

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my diverse riding of Willowdale, I would like to wish all those marking the mid-autumn festival a joyous and bountiful celebration. Known as the moon festival, or Chuseok in Korea, Tsukimi in Japan or Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam, it is a cherished festival that brings family, friends and communities together. The full moon at the heart of this celebration has long been a symbol of reunion, harmony and hope, while it strengthens the bonds connecting us to one another. To the many celebrating in Willowdale, in Canada and around the world, may the full moon bring them and their loved ones good health, peace and prosperity, and may their homes be filled with laughter and light. After all, beneath the gentle glow of the mid-autumn moon, we are reminded that, no matter how far we may travel, the same moonlight connects us all. I wish a happy mid-autumn festival to all.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to present petition e-7172, which has been signed by no fewer than 13,198 Canadians across the country. The petitioners call upon the government to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of the structure, governance, practices, legal status, funding sources and activities of the Iranian Canadian Congress. It is an organization that has made no attempt to gauge the interests of the community. There is further consternation because this group has publicly opposed human rights policies, which are broadly supported by members of the community, including its call for the removal of the terrorist designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It is an organization that has all sorts of challenges. It has never made an attempt to reach out to the members of the community. In addition, all of its positions over the course of the past five to six years have run counter to the aspirations of the members of the community.

Madam Speaker, allow me to start off by emphasizing that the global landscape is rapidly changing, leaving businesses, workers and families under a cloud of uncertainty. As a result of all these geopolitical shifts, the costs of groceries and everyday essentials in Canada have been high for way too long. We believe our economy is stronger when it serves everyone. That is why we took action to make groceries and other essentials more affordable in the near term and, in parallel, to promote food security and support innovation in the agricultural and food sectors. To support the people most affected by the rising price of food, in January 2026 we announced a new Canada groceries and essentials benefit to help more than 12 million Canadians afford day-to-day essentials. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit builds on the existing goods and services tax credit and will provide $11.7 billion in additional support over six years. This includes a one-time top-up payment to be issued June 5, equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the GST credit. This delivers, of course, $3.1 billion in assistance to individuals and families who currently get the GST credit. We know that Canadian household budgets are feeling the squeeze from higher costs. There is no doubt that this spike is causing financial difficulties for far too many individual Canadians. To help Canadians and businesses manage such pressures, our government introduced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. The suspension came into effect on April 20 and will stay in place until and including Labour Day, September 7. This step is expected to lower Canadian bills at the gas station by up to 10¢ per litre in gasoline and four cents on diesel. Such temporary suspensions are expected to save Canadians up to an estimated $5.75 on gasoline when filling up a typical 50-litre tank of fuel. Overall, the suspension is estimated to provide relief of over $2.4 billion in 2026-27. We have done even more to alleviate the pressure from the high cost of fuels on Canadian household budgets. Right after taking office, the Prime Minister cancelled the federal consumer fuel charge, effective April 1, 2025, in a move that directly helped Canadians save money at the pump. As of that very same date, our government also removed the requirement for provinces and territories to have a consumer-facing carbon price. These actions helped reduce gas prices in most provinces and territories by about 18¢ per litre in comparison to 2024-25. There is more. Our government is also delivering major tax breaks to Canadians. Since July 1, Canadians have been paying less tax, after the government lowered the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%. Thanks to this change, I would add, 22 million Canadians benefit from tax relief of up to $420 per person, saving two-income families up to $840 this year. Our government has eliminated the GST for first-time buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reduced the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. In addition, we have also made the national school food program permanent, providing school meals for up to 400,000 children each year. Despite what the member is suggesting, there are a number of different affordability measures in the update. We are working on that. We are working on investments, and we will continue—

Madam Speaker, I can only go by the question the member provided us with earlier. If the question is whether we are the type of country that is welcoming investment from various sources to make sure there is economic growth, the answer is absolutely. He knows full well that there are a number of Canadian institutions that are very interested in investing in infrastructure projects, and that, of course, creates jobs. In addition to that, as the member is fully aware, in September we will have an investment summit. We are doing everything within our power to make sure that we are building, that we are building bold and that we are building big. That, of course, will include investments from various institutions.

Madam Speaker, affordability is at the forefront of the government's attention. That includes, of course, food affordability, so I am very happy to provide a response. As I suggested to the previous member, the global landscape is rapidly changing, leaving economies, businesses and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. In response, our new government has focused on what we can control, such as building a stronger economy to make life more affordable for Canadians. We understand that many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet and need immediate support. We can all definitely understand this situation. This is why we launched the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which will provide support for more than 12 million Canadians. This new benefit will replace the current GST credit, but it will be much more generous, as I am sure the member can agree. This will start with a one-time top-up next week on June 5. We will also increase the value of the GST credit by 25% for five years starting in July of this year. This will make a real difference for Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet. Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year for the next four years. A single person will receive up to $950 this year and about $700 a year for the next four years. This new benefit will be indexed to inflation. This means that the amounts paid to Canadians will increase each year in line with the rising cost of living. We have also made the national school food program permanent. This will provide up to 400,000 children with meals at school each year, helping families save an average of $800 annually. These two measures represent real and immediate help. We are also working on solutions for the long term. The government has announced a series of measures to help bring down costs for Canadians. We have set aside $500 million from the strategic response fund to help businesses address the cost of supply chain disruptions. We are creating a $150-million food security fund under the existing regional tariff response initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises. Our plan also includes immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings to lower the cost of food production. In addition, we are providing $20 million to the local food infrastructure fund to support food banks and other national, regional and local organizations to deliver more nutritious food to families in need. We are also going to develop a national food security strategy that would strengthen domestic food production and improve access to affordable food, including measures to encourage unit price labelling and support for the work of the Competition Bureau. Our government remains focused on empowering Canadians by lowering costs, making groceries and other essentials more affordable and expanding opportunity. We have announced a series of new measures to help Canadians make ends meet, and we will continue to remain focused on affordability measures.

Madam Speaker, I am not quite sure what he means when he talks about obfuscating. I listed a number of measures that have been introduced by government. If the member chooses to ignore them, then I cannot possibly be charged with obfuscating. It is interesting that the member claims to care about food, but he does not seem to find it within himself to support any of those programs that I listed for him, whether it is the Canada child benefit or cutting taxes for Canadians and providing timely and meaningful supports. He has also, I would say, voted against the national school food program to feed hungry children. Of course, he does not think much of that program. With many people feeling the strain of rising everyday expenses, our government will continue to take responsible and pragmatic approaches. While conservatives will focus on slogans and social media clips, we are tackling long-term structural challenges. We are acting now to support all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, let me assure the member that we all stand at the ready. Canada is at its strongest when governments, workers, businesses and industry are all pulling in the same direction. By strengthening our engagement, we are ensuring Canada is well-positioned. That is why, as the member is well aware, yesterday we announced the creation of the advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations. This will serve as a forum for knowledge sharing, expertise and feedback on all issues.

Mr. Speaker, once again, allow me to emphasize that we stand at the ready. For the past several months, we have been consulting with the provinces, consulting with the territories, consulting with businesses and consulting with labour leaders, so everyone is fully aware that we are doing as much as can be expected and we will be acting very strongly. The member can rest assured that we will only agree to a very good deal.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for permitting me to speak to Bill C-22, an act respecting lawful access. It is always a great pleasure to speak in this chamber on behalf of the constituents of Willowdale. In this particular case, I should say that in Willowdale, we are very well served by 32 Division of the Toronto Police Service. I recently had the opportunity, once again, to visit with them and to be guided by the wisdom of the officers, who are doing so much for all the residents of my riding and beyond. Today, I should also say that I am speaking as a member of the public safety committee. It gives me great pleasure to speak on new legislation that is timely and would allow our police and law enforcement agencies to undertake their work with renewed vigour. As members know, this piece of legislation is the product of 10 months of diligent joint work by the Minister of Public Safety, the Minister of Justice and the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime. It is important to emphasize that this legislation would fill a very significant gap that had previously handcuffed the investigative powers of our law enforcement officials. It is also important to underscore that Canada was the only member of the Five Eyes and the G7 countries that was lagging by not having devised a legal framework or regime for lawful access. At a time when extortion, child exploitation, human trafficking and cybercrimes that target all Canadians, in particular our seniors, are on the rise, it is imperative that we update our approach and strengthen our legal capacity to ensure that we are supporting our law enforcement agencies in their important investigative work. Given the speed at which certain crimes are now occurring, it is important to keep up with the times and to ensure that our officials do not hit a wall and can deal with serious crimes more expeditiously and on a timely basis. The substance of the bill and the layers of legal guardrails in the system have been adequately explained by those who have spoken before me, in particular the Minister of Public Safety and the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime. In addition, we had the great pleasure of hearing from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice earlier this morning. We are a country that should not have to choose between safety and crime. As the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime eloquently put it before this very chamber, “The alternative to this bill is not privacy. The alternative is impunity.” Rather than focus on the substance of this bill, because, as I indicated, many others have risen before me and spoken about the layers of protection that exist in this bill, I want to highlight the extent to which this bill has truly benefited from cross-partisan contributions. When we work together, all members of this chamber, or when we reach out and are informed by the perspective of individuals from all across the political spectrum, I have every confidence that we can come up with better legislation. As members know, the Minister of Public Safety, in his wisdom, tasked a former distinguished member of this chamber and a former minister from B.C. to undertake the initial consultations before this bill was devised. He had the difficult task of meeting with individuals and associations with differing views. This bill certainly benefited greatly from the early work that Murray Rankin is responsible for. He had the opportunity to speak to a number of civil society organizations, academics, and law enforcement and industry groups as well, so that is on one end of the political spectrum. On the other end, I also think it is incredibly important to give credit to the member opposite, the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner, who is a distinguished former police officer himself and also has contributed to this great legislative effort. I can say, given that I am on the public safety committee, I remember that many, many months ago we started chatting about how incredibly important lawful access was. This, of course, was because we were hearing from a wide variety of witnesses who indicated to us how critically important it was. Those discussions with the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner eventually led to many meetings he had with our Minister of Public Safety. Those two are real examples of how, when we come together in this chamber, we are capable of producing much better legislation. In addition to that, I think it also bears repeating that NSICOP, which is our parliamentary committee comprising members from all parties and from both chambers, has also said that it is critically important that this legislation be adopted. I certainly hope, in that cross-partisan spirit, that the fact that many individuals inside this chamber and others outside have been consulted widely on this will mean that all members will understand the critical importance of voting in favour of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite is likely aware, today we are here to debate Bill C-22, which is a very significant piece of legislation. As I have indicated, this government has always benefited greatly from the views and the perspectives of individuals throughout this chamber. We are always willing to welcome any input that anyone has. This bill, as I indicated, has also benefited from that. I have no doubt that, once it is adopted, our law enforcement agencies and individuals who are working around the clock in this country will benefit greatly from the adoption of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite and I have had the great benefit of working closely together on the public safety committee. The point she raises is certainly a valid one, but as we know, this particular bill will be referred to committee, and that would be an exceptional opportunity for us all to weigh in and make sure this is as robust and as good a piece of legislation as possible. I have no doubt that the member will be a very big part of that exercise.

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member has rightly indicated, there was a big gap in terms of making sure that our law enforcement agencies have all the necessary tools to do a thorough job when they are investigating a wide variety of crimes. We certainly live in an era when the speed and the pace at which such crimes are taking place are very different from what they were previously. It was certainly high time for us to listen to those law enforcement agencies and to look at the experience that the other Five Eyes and indeed the other G7 countries had on this. We looked at that to make sure we would come up with a robust system that was balanced and that would have legal safeguards, and that is why I think the product of this entire exercise is a very good piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I wanted to say that I have had an opportunity to review Bill C-22. It is critical that it does pass, so I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to ask the parliamentary secretary how this came about. I recall sitting in committee, and regrettably members opposite were very much dead set against lawful access. This was despite the fact that we were hearing from witness after witness as to how crucially important it was. As such, if the parliamentary secretary could tell us what is responsible for that sea change in attitude, I would be most grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the military situation in Iran. Once again, brinkmanship by the ayatollahs has plunged Iran into war. Innocent Iranians are caught in the crossfire of a war they are not responsible for, as it is not of their making. After the trauma of witnessing the regime butcher tens of thousands of innocent protesters, Iranians are now contending with war. Let us hope that this will end swiftly and lead to the end of this odious regime. Iranians, Canadians and the world want to see an end to 47 years of theocracy. However, civilians on the ground in Iran and their relatives in Canada can simultaneously fear the mullahs and the bombs raining down from the skies. These are hopeful but perilous times. May the brave people of Iran finally experience what we take for granted in Canada, peace and freedom. In conclusion, if the hon. members know any Iranian Canadians in their ridings, it would be a good time to check in.

Mr. Chair, I would like to thank all my colleagues for their remarks tonight, and I agree with a lot of what I have heard, but perhaps just to take a very different perspective on this, I want to talk about the perspective of the Iranian Canadian community. As members know, the Iranian Canadian community is approximately 500,000 strong. Many of us have watched as many protests have taken place across our country. I just want to provide a window onto how Iranian Canadians are looking at this as it unfolds. Let me begin by providing a very brief history. Iran, at the beginning of the 20th century, had the first constitutional revolution in the Middle East. As members can imagine, Iranians have aspirations, but since 1979, they have been living a very, very bleak chapter in the history of Iran. As I watch developments unfold, I share the same sentiment in the sense that I am very optimistic that finally we will see an end to this regime. However, watching things unfold on television, there are also moments where I have fear because I and the vast majority of Iranian Canadians, and Iranians within Iran as well, want to see an end to this regime. At least 80% of Iranians are known to want to see an end to the scourge of this regime. Of course, I am also concerned that ultimately, after all this hardship and the war that has started, we actually see regime change and that Iranians will be masters of their own destiny. As I said, many of us are familiar with the dark chapters and the terrible things that Iranians have been subjected to since 1979. This is a regime that is truly a theocratic kleptocracy. It has really stripped the country down. These ayatollahs and their henchmen are all about themselves, and we are watching a country that is dealing with terrible economic despair. In addition to that, I think all the members are somewhat familiar with the terrible things that have happened in recent memory. I would start with the green revolution in 2009, where Iranians courageously stood up to the regime but had to deal with its brutality. After that, there were protests in 2018. Again, Iranians were incredibly courageous and brave and tried to change the course of that country. Again, the Iranian regime was brutal. There was flight PS752, which Canadians are very familiar with, when the regime shot down a plane over the skies of Tehran. There was the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Again, people were very hopeful that it would be the end of the regime, but unfortunately, it was not. Now we have watched over the course of the past several months as the Iranian regime has butchered and massacred up to 30,000 people. Iranians are looking at this. For, I would say, 95% of Iranian Canadians, nothing would make them happier than to see an end to this regime, and even in Iran, it is the same thing. All that is to say, and some people may not understand the complexities of this, that the vast majority of Iranian Canadians are optimistic but also very concerned about what their loved ones are experiencing back in Iran. In terms of recommendations, I would completely agree with the members who are saying we should be concerned about public safety here in Canada. There is a gentleman who is leading the protests in Toronto. His name is Salar Gholami. His gym was vandalized. It took many shots. That is a good indication that we should be vigilant and make sure we clamp down on any activities by any agents of the regime. We should remind our allies, whether it be the Americans or the Israelis, to adhere to human rights and humanitarian law. We should be concerned about connectivity for Iranians here with their loved ones back home. Lastly, I would say we should remain focused on ensuring that a democratic Iran emerges.

Mr. Chair, perhaps I did not do a good job of painting the complexities, but that is precisely my point: Iranians have tried to do everything within their power to change this thuggish regime. This is a regime that is hell-bent on brutalizing Iranians and has no respect for human rights. That is precisely why I would say that 95% of Iranian Canadians and 80% of Iranians would like nothing better than an end to this regime.

Mr. Chair, I am very proud of the position our country has adopted. As the member can imagine, we have consulted very closely with our European allies, and I would say that our position is very consistent with theirs so far. We have said that we understand the concerns about Iran's nuclear facilities. We also are very much concerned about Iranians and the terrible things they have experienced at the hands of their own regime. Our position is very consistent with the position that has been adopted by our closest allies.

Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend and colleague for his understanding and appreciation of the complexities of these cases. Yes, this was a central banker of the Iranian regime who arrived here in Canada. The Conservative government did zero. So, I find it rich when I am hearing all these lectures about how terrible our government is. The reality is that these are sophisticated, complex files, and I think we can all work together to do a much better job.

Mr. Chair, again, it is very important to highlight that we have been very vigilant about members of the Iranian regime. We are the only country that has on our books a law that says that any individual who has served the Iranian regime since 2004 has no right to be admitted into Canada. I do not know of any other country that has such a law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to brave Iranians and to spotlight the bloodshed that occurred in Iran after courageous Iranians took to the streets to demand dignity and freedom. The scale of the wholesale brutality unleashed on those peaceful protesters by the Iranian regime is unprecedented in the annals of modern history. Many thousands of Iranians were massacred, and many more have been detained. The pictures emerging from Iran are both horrific and unconscionable. Any regime that brutalizes its own citizens is a grave menace to every member of the international community. I stand among members to say that we cannot remain indifferent. We must join other countries in doing everything we can to hold this Iranian regime to account and assist beleaguered Iranians. What I am certain of is that courageous Iranians will ultimately prevail and this criminal regime will fall. It is destined for the dustbin of history.