Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, this government always stands with its legal obligations. At the same time, we have introduced Bill C-35, and we very much hope that the opposition will work with us. Through the summer, we will be consulting, and we will be coming up with a list of goods that will be the subject of sanctions in the case of forced labour. We stand up for human rights. We stand up for the rights of those subjected to slavery in supply chains, and we will not let it happen.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most rigorous forced labour laws in the world. We condemn forced labour everywhere it exists, including in my meeting last Friday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China. Every good that enters this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening. We allocated $600 million in last year's budget to address forced labour. We prioritize the inclusion of comprehensive labour provisions in free trade agreements to promote international labour standards. We stand with workers everywhere—

Mr. Speaker, I want to underline that Canada will always protect the rights of workers within and outside this country. The $600 million allocated in last year's budget was on top of a number of measures that we have taken in our negotiations, in our free trade agreements with other countries around the world, a point I emphasized last Friday when I spoke with China's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I want to say that our economy, at the same time, has grown by more than 17% in terms of our exports. We will build Canada—

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on the front lines of our relationship with China and countries around the world. We wholeheartedly and emphatically condemn forced labour wherever it occurs. In addition, in our free trade negotiations with countries around the world, we underline and ensure that we are condemning forced labour. Finally, we will continue to grow the Canadian economy strong, not only concluding 20 agreements on the economy, security and defence worldwide, but also ensuring that we are responsibly—

Mr. Speaker, last year, Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets grew by more than 17%. Canada has the fastest-growing economy in the G7, this year and next. In the first four months of this year alone, we secured more than $10 billion in commercial deals for Canadian businesses. Speaking of infrastructure investments, there is Ksi Lisims, Mackenzie Valley Highway and Contrecoeur. Canada was ranked the world's most attractive destination for foreign direct investment. There is a reason: We are building Canada—

Mr. Speaker, we are creating over 1,000 jobs through Nouveau Monde Graphite, supporting 18,000 construction jobs, and the Darlington nuclear project is supporting 18,000 construction jobs. This is just an example of the types of investments the Government of Canada is putting into the Canadian economy. Just recently, we secured the largest order of Canadian-built aircraft in our history, 150 Airbus A220s built by Canadian workers. At a time when Canada is facing a trade war, we are building, we are investing and we are diversifying.

Mr. Speaker, last year Canadian exports to non-U.S. markets grew by over 17%. Canada is expected to have the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 this year and next, and in the first four months of this year alone, we landed over $10 billion in commercial deals. Over the past year, Canada has secured more than 20 economic and defence agreements across five continents. Countries are choosing Canada. We are ranked the world's most attractive place for investment, and we will build—

Mr. Speaker, our government has delivered real affordability measures, including cutting the gas excise tax, all while ensuring that we are reducing our projected deficit by more than $11 billion. Our trade agreements have opened up preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers across 16 trade agreements, 51 countries and roughly two-thirds of global GDP. Those are the facts. Maybe opposition members could recognize truth when they see it.

Mr. Speaker, let me be frank with this House and with Canadians: Canada has entered into MOUs with China with respect to combatting crime in various forms since 2010 and, as has historically been the case with this agreement, the advice of Canada's intelligence agencies is always followed. I had a productive exchange with China's minister of foreign affairs regarding areas of mutual interest. I raised issues relating to transnational repression, human rights and security domestically. I will always stand up for Canadian values.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has entered into MOUs with China on combatting crime in varied forms since 2010. As has been the case historically, we have entered into these agreements on the advice of Canada's intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and they have also not been released publicly. I look forward to meeting with China's foreign minister and having a constructive exchange on areas of mutual interest. We will continue to uphold Canada's values and the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, our government will always stand up for Canadians, protect our national interests and engage from a position of strength. We welcome the upcoming visit of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, the first such bilateral visit to Canada in nearly a decade. We will also work with China where it advances Canada's national interests, including on trade, economic stability and global security, while defending Canada's sovereignty, security and values unequivocally.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to reiterate that in these conversations, including my conversation with Minister Wang Yi tomorrow, we will ensure that the guardrails in place will continue protecting Canada's security, protecting Canada's sovereignty and ensuring Canada's greatest economic resilience. Our government has taken concrete action to combat foreign interference, including establishing the foreign influence transparency registry and strengthening protections for Canadians and democratic—

Mr. Speaker, last week, I met with my NATO counterparts in Sweden following its historic accession to the NATO alliance, of which Canada was the first ratifier. As global conflicts disrupt our supply chains, Canada is investing in our defence industry to meet 2% of GDP, reaffirming the support for Ukraine, condemning ongoing aggression and attacks against Ukraine and securing the confidence of our allies in establishing the defence, resilience and security bank. We are contributing to NATO's strength by building Canada strong.

Actually, Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is not accurately reflecting the importance we place on the Indo-Pacific region in general, including Taiwan, which is an important economic partner. We enjoy strong people-to-people ties with Taiwan, and we will continue to ensure that Taiwan continues to be an important economic partner for this country as we diversify trade and double non-U.S. trade over the next 10 years.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. What he said is not true. We are continuing to build a strong economy in Canada with trade agreements around the world. For example, we signed an agreement with Indonesia last year, and we have agreements with Indo‑Pacific countries, including ASEAN in 2026. We are going to keep building the economy through agreements like these. I would like to know why the Conservatives refuse to vote with us in support of Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, we are unlocking trade opportunities for Canadians and Canadian farmers around the world. Let us look at China. Let us look at Mexico, for example, where we are continuing to stand with Canadian farmers. At the same time, we are unlocking trade agreements and investment directly into Canada, around the world, and negotiating and concluding over 20 trade agreements over the past six months, over four continents. One thing that would advantage Canadians is if the opposition actually recognized that we are standing for the Canadian—

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Canada has one of the strongest positions fiscally in the G7. In addition to maintaining and growing that position, we are also delivering for Canadians: $6 billion for investing in the skilled trades; more than $700 million for athletics in this country, from playground to podium; building Canada's homes by providing low-cost financing; and ensuring that there is a groceries and essentials benefit. We ask the Conservatives rationally to get on board.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. At the same time, in direct response to my colleague's question, we have reduced the deficit by $11 billion, as announced yesterday. One thing the Conservatives have failed to do is to vote for Canadians, vote for dental care, vote for pharmacare, vote for the groceries and essentials benefit, vote for housing and vote for supporting school food lunch programs on a permanent basis. I ask them to get—

Mr. Speaker, our strategy is actually to double non-U.S. trade over the next 10 years and to continue working on the CUSMA review, as the minister is doing. I will also say that, in the meantime, we are building trade relationships with Indonesia, China, India, Mexico and Brazil. We are looking forward to an FTA with the ASEAN in 2026 and working on Mercosur as well. That is what working for the Canadian public is all about. That is what building Canada strong means.

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that we, along with this country as a whole, are continuing to diversify non-U.S. trade. That means real results. There have been more than 12 agreements over the past six months across four continents, which is a result that I ask my hon. colleague to acknowledge. Furthermore, as we work to double non-U.S. trade, we will build Canada strong internally. We will bring down internal barriers to trade. We will build national projects.

Mr. Speaker, when I was in France last month, I submitted Canada's bid to host the Sommet de la Francophonie in our country. This summit will help strengthen economic ties in our francophone and acadian communities. I also met with the secretary general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to reaffirm Canada's commitment to economic and cultural partnership. The French language remains a central part of Canada's identity.

Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade has indicated, our talks with the United States continue, as they do with Mexico. In the meantime, we will continue to diversify our trade relationships, with over a dozen new deals signed in the past six months, combined with FDI, foreign direct investment. We are also looking to conclude additional FTAs this year, including with ASEAN in 2026, looking ahead to Mercosur. We can control our own destiny, and we are doing that by diversifying our—

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for raising this very important point. Canada is deeply concerned about the humanitarian toll the war is taking, and we are concerned about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is threatening global energy security and economic stability. As we have emphasized, Canada's focus is on humanitarianism, de-escalation and ensuring the unimpeded flow of energy and supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. We urge all parties to de-escalate the conflict, and we will continue to work with the G7 and like-minded countries.

Mr. Speaker, the parliamentary return in question was submitted in error and will be corrected at the earliest opportunity. The Prime Minister has been clear that while in Beijing Canada's positions on areas of concern, including human rights, were raised proactively at multiple levels, including by the Prime Minister and his counterparts. I also raised the matter with my counterpart while in China, along with other matters. I want to emphasize that Canada is a world leader in advancing human rights and the rules-based international order.

Mr. Speaker, the government opposes the bill. Canada has one of the strongest export regimes in the world, with human rights considerations applied to every single permit issued for military goods. The changes proposed in the bill would decimate Canada's defence industry, weaken Canada's role in NATO and jeopardize the capabilities of our Canadian Armed Forces. The bill would not close a loophole. It would create new vulnerabilities. It is irresponsible to propose a bill like this.

Mr. Speaker, we support Iran's never obtaining a nuclear weapon. That has been the policy position of successive governments of Canada. Iran must never have nuclear capacity. The support is not a blank cheque. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all parties. Canada is a country of international law, and all actors, including the United States and Israel, must respect the rules of international engagement. These are established international processes—

Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my hon. colleague, allow me to clarify that successive Canadian governments have held that Iran is the principal source of terror in the region. That is why, more than 18 months ago, Canada declared the IRGC a terrorist entity. That is why Canada supports all efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. That is why we have declared Iran a state sponsor of terrorism. All parties have to comply with the rules of international law, and we will work to bring Canadians home safely.

Mr. Speaker, the department at IRCC has a rigorous process for vetting all applicants who are applying for a visa. In addition, we encourage the opposition to vote in favour of Bill C-9, which it is refusing to do. Finally, let me clarify again that on this side of the House, the Iranian regime is a terrorist entity. It is a state sponsor of terrorism. We encourage all parties to respect the rules of international conflict and engagement, and we will work to bring Canadian citizens home safely.

Mr. Speaker, while we support Iran's never obtaining a nuclear weapon, this support is not a blank cheque. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all parties. All actors, including the United States and Israel, must respect the rules of international engagement. There are established international processes for making determinations about international law, and our immediate priority is going to be on de-escalation, the safety and security of civilians, and working to bring Canadians home.

moved: That this committee take note of the hostilities in Iran and the Middle East, and the impact for Canadians abroad. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the hostilities currently unfolding in Iran and throughout the Middle East and the very real impact they are having on Canadians abroad. The situation in the region is changing by the hour. Military strikes and retaliatory attacks have drawn several countries into a conflict that continues to spread. Several countries in the region have faced repeated waves of missile and drone attacks. Civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports and energy facilities, have been damaged and blatantly targeted by Iran. Maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf has been disrupted, with the Strait of Hormuz essentially closed. The risks of even further escalation are real. Millions of civilians across the region, including Canadians, are now living under the threat of violence and instability. Canada condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. International law must be respected by all parties. The focus must be on rapid de-escalation. Canada has long considered the Islamic Republic of Iran to be one of the main sources of instability and terrorism in the Middle East. The regime's actions have caused enormous suffering, both in Iran and throughout the region. When the IRGC shot down flight PS752, the terrorist regime murdered 176 civilians, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. Six years later, the regime has still failed to fully comply with the investigation and continues to deny accountability. Within Iran, the regime has severely restricted the rights of women and girls and the basic freedoms to which every human being is entitled. Today, the day after International Women's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the brave women of Iran who are fighting every day for equality and justice. Canada stands with them. In recent months, the regime has further intensified its crackdown on peaceful protests, arresting demonstrators, silencing journalists and intimidating those who speak out. Once again, lives have been lost as the regime responds to calls for freedom with violence. Canada has consistently condemned these actions and will continue to support the Iranian people in their fight for human rights and freedoms. Canada has taken strong action to hold the Iranian regime to account. First, let me point to the listing of the IRGC in June 2024 as a terrorist organization under the Criminal Code of Canada. Canada has also listed the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code of Canada. Second, Canada continues to implement measures to hold Iran accountable for its support of terrorism, human rights violations and destabilizing activities. This includes Canadian sanctions on 222 Iranian individuals and 256 Iranian entities for peace and security violations, human rights abuses and terrorism support. In its response to the current crisis, Canada is following clear principles. We did not participate in the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. We were not consulted in advance about these operations, and we have no intention of joining them. At the same time, Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and grow its arsenal of missiles that represent a serious threat to international peace and security. The U.S. strikes come as a result of a failure of the international order. This is not a blank cheque. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all parties, including the United States and Israel. Again, let me be clear. International law binds all parties. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We will continue to bring Canadians home. For our government, the primary responsibility at this time is clear: to ensure the safety of Canadians abroad. Global Affairs Canada has activated an extensive consular response across the region. Consular teams have been deployed across several countries to assist Canadians navigating the crisis. Additional staff have been positioned near border crossings, for example, to help Canadians leaving affected areas, and our emergency watch and response centre has over 150 people working every single day to answer Canadians' calls for help. Our government is offering three options to help Canadians depart safely: charter flights, block-booked seats on commercial airlines, and buses to help Canadians reach safer locations when onward travel can be arranged. We have made sure that officials from Global Affairs Canada are in place to help Canadians across the region, including 15 countries in the region, and we have arranged for hundreds and hundreds of Canadians to return home. Diplomatic missions in the region remain open and continue to provide consular services. Consular officers are in contact with thousands of Canadians who have requested assistance. Canadians in the region are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities and register with Global Affairs Canada to receive the latest updates and advice. In closing, at moments like this, Canada's approach must remain steady and principled. We will continue to support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. We will continue to work with international partners to reduce tensions and promote stability across the Middle East. Above all, we will continue to prioritize the safety and security of Canadians abroad. Canada stands with the Iranian people in their long and courageous struggle for freedom. Their calls for dignity, for justice and for basic human rights have been met with repression by the regime, but their voices continue to resonate around the world. The Iranian people deserve a future free from fear and oppression. On our watch, we will continue to hold the Iranian regime to account. In conclusion, the situation remains unstable and deeply concerning, but Canada's commitment is clear. We will stand up for international law, we will stand up for the protection of civilians and we will stand up for the safety of Canadians, no matter where they are in the world.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been clear. Canada was not consulted, Canada did not participate, and Canada has no plans to participate in the offensive strikes against Iran. We support efforts to end the Iranian nuclear program and the regime's decades-long pattern of state-sponsored terrorism. Canada's priorities are clear. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, international law must be respected, and we will stand for the safety and security of Canadians wherever they may be in the world. That is clear, and that is a clear statement of Canadian foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague. Let me be clear. While we support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, our support is not a free pass. Canada reaffirms that international law applies to all parties. All actors, including the United States and Israel, must respect the rules of international law. International mechanisms exist to determine compliance with international law. My immediate priority and that of our government is de-escalation, the safety of civilians and efforts to bring Canadians home.

Mr. Speaker, Canada had no advance notice of these strikes and we were not consulted. We have no plans to become involved in offensive actions taken by the United States and Israel. Canada supports preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and preventing its regime from further threatening international peace and security. We have been clear for years that Iran's nuclear proliferation is unacceptable and contrary to international law. We will stand by our allies when it makes sense to do so and we will always defend Canadians when we are called upon. This position has not changed. Canada was not consulted, did not participate and has no plans to participate in the offensive actions taken by the U.S. and Israel. We have been clear on this point. I respect my hon. colleague's question on the matter.

Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my hon. colleague and this House, I will reiterate that Canada has long spoken out against Iran's nuclear proliferation. We strongly support nuclear non-proliferation internationally. Therefore, we will continue to reiterate that Iran must not have nuclear weapons. In addition, the clarity of our foreign policy in terms of international law must be underscored. We are a country of international law. We believe that the international legal rules relating to engagement bind all parties. We support preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. We support international law. We are focused on de-escalation, including the numerous calls I have had with G7 counterparts and my colleagues. We will continue to support de-escalation. That is a clear statement of Canadian foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, of course we do. We have a very robust approach to ensuring we are bringing Canadians home and have already arranged for hundreds of Canadians to return home. I will specifically underline the three particular means of bringing Canadians home: first, through charter flights; second, through blocked bookings on commercial airlines; and third, through buses that transport Canadians to countries where they can safely book onward travel. Just this weekend, our government arranged a charter flight that arrived in Toronto from Dubai with nearly 190 seats for Canadians. We continue to book seats on commercial airlines, bringing up to 300 Canadians home per day. Canada remains vigilant as this conflict evolves. We are deploying consular services across borders in the region to ensure that we are supporting—

Mr. Speaker, I want to reiterate that the Canadian Armed Forces have been supporting our consular services and supporting diplomatic efforts throughout the world, including in the region, over the last number of decades. In particular, I will say that they take it very seriously to ensure that we are, wherever possible, protecting civilians. Our position on that matter could not be more clear: Innocent civilians must be protected—

Mr. Speaker, in my role, I have the privilege of speaking with leaders and citizens around the world, and I repeatedly hear that countries respect and want to emulate the immigration system in this country. In addition, I would ask the opposition to vote with us on Bill C-12. This would be a reform to strengthen our asylum system. We have also recently announced changes to the interim health care program by introducing certain services relating to copayment. These are responsible, fiscally important moves—

Mr. Speaker, on this, the fourth anniversary of the illegal further invasion by Russia of Ukraine, Canada continues to stand with Ukraine in the short and the long term. This morning, I announced $20 million in supports for Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In addition, this brings our total investment and supports for Ukraine to $25.5 billion. Canada stands with Ukraine and makes sure that we are there with our allies so Ukraine can fight and win this war. Slava Ukraini.

Mr. Speaker, it is shocking that the opposition members do not recognize the measures the government has taken to support the auto sector, to support workers and to make sure that we are investing in national projects. They vote against us every single time. We have an auto strategy. We have a liquidity management fund. We are reducing tariffs. We are making sure we are building Canada strong. We urge the Conservatives to get on board.

Mr. Speaker, I come from a riding with and I represent auto workers and the auto sector. They want this government to keep doing what we have been doing, which is to support auto workers, support unions, support auto manufacturing and ensure that we are, together, building Canada strong. This is what we do in times of economic stress. We band together. On this side of the House, we urge them to vote with us, vote for Canada, vote for national projects and build Canada with us.

Mr. Speaker, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating conditions in Cuba. Our consular officials are actively engaged. They stand ready to support Canadians in need. We are also working with the Cuban authorities and Canadian tourism stakeholders to ensure a timely and effective response. We understand that aircraft carriers from Canadian airlines will be picking up Canadians. Our top priority will always be the safety and security of Canadians, and our foreign policy is based on that.

Mr. Speaker, Canada is deeply disappointed by the tragic sentencing of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. We call for the immediate release of Jimmy Lai. In fact, we have consistently spoken out against the national security law since its imposition in 2020. While in Beijing, I reiterated Canada's long-standing position to my counterpart: The persecution of journalists, media workers and activists is unacceptable. Canada will always support a free—

Mr. Speaker, this week, I will be travelling to Nuuk, Greenland, to formally open the Canadian consulate there. I will be meeting with my Danish and Greenlandic counterparts, where I will be reiterating the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity and co-operation amongst Arctic states, including the Nordic five. Here at home, we are investing more than $80 billion in Canada's defence and security, including Arctic security, and we will build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the member opposite to be accurate in her representation of Canadian law. First, Canada has one of the strongest export permit regimes in the world. Second, Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024. Third, all permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel. Again, I urge accuracy.