Aslam Rana

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in support of Bill S-226, the jury duty appreciation week act. This is an important piece of legislation that would recognize the hard and difficult work of our jurors by designating the second week of May as jury duty appreciation week. A previous iteration of this bill died on the Order Paper last session. As we approach the second week of May this year, I hope we can all agree to move this importantly symbolic legislation swiftly through the House so that jurors can officially receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. I would like to begin by acknowledging that the recognition of jurors is not a new concept. Across Canada, many individuals and organizations have worked for years to highlight the vital role jurors play in the administration of justice. The work of jurors has already been celebrated informally for the past four years during the second week of May, including by the Canadian Juries Commission, with support from previous ministers of justice. These efforts have been essential in reminding all of us that jury service can be demanding, time-consuming and, at times, emotionally difficult. They have also helped emphasize that the people who take on this responsibility deserve our respect, understanding and support. These initiatives have laid important groundwork building awareness and momentum, helping to ensure that jurors are seen and heard. It is therefore fitting that we are now debating legislation that would formally recognize jury duty appreciation week. This legislation sends a clear message about our shared values. It signals that jury service is not simply a civic responsibility, but a fundamental contribution to our democracy and to the protection of rights and freedom. Formal recognition elevates public awareness and underscores the importance of those who participate directly in the administration of justice. Juries are the cornerstone of our justice system. When jurors are selected, they represent the communities from which they are drawn. In criminal trials, they determine guilt or innocence. In civic trials, they determine liability. There are profound responsibilities. Jurors must carefully weigh evidence, assess credibility and apply legal instructions provided by the court. Their decisions can have life-altering consequences for the individuals involved, as well as broader implications for public confidence in the justice system. The right to a trial by jury is guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Anyone charged with an offence punishable by five years imprisonment or more has a right to a trial by jury. This constitutional protection reflects the fundamental importance of juries in ensuring fair and impartial trials. It recognizes that justice is strengthened when ordinary citizens participate in decision-making and when verdicts reflect community standards. Closely connected to this is the principle that the individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is a fundamental principle of our legal system. Jurors play a central role in upholding this principle by evaluating the evidence presented before them and determining whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof. Through their impartial deliberations, jurors help ensure that decisions are made fairly, thoughtfully and independently. In passing the jury duty appreciation week act, Parliament would be thanking individuals who uphold these principles. We would be formally recognizing the thousands of Canadians whose lives are interrupted, and whose work and families are put on pause, so they can carry out this important civic responsibility. Jury service often requires individuals to rearrange professional obligations, family commitments and personal responsibilities. Despite these challenges, Canadians continue to step forward and fulfill this duty. Their contribution strengthens the legitimacy and integrity of the system. Although the administration of justice falls primarily within provincial and territorial jurisdiction, the federal government has an important role to play in acknowledging jurors. Jurors represent a link between the federal government, which establishes criminal law; provincial and territorial governments; and administrative justice, including the courts. Jury service helps ensure that justice is both nationally coherent and locally administered. By recognizing jurors at the federal level, we would reinforce the collaborative nature of our justice system and the shared responsibility for maintaining public confidence. Bill S-226 would build upon recent legislative efforts aimed at improving jury diversity and juror well-being at the federal level. It would also complement the initiatives in some jurisdictions that provide psychological supports for jurors following difficult trials. These developments reflect a growing recognition that jury service, while essential, can have significant personal impacts. Formal recognition through the bill would further encourage continued attention to these issues. The jury duty appreciation week act would go beyond recognizing jurors for their civic duty. It would also promote awareness of their well-being. When citizens are called to serve, they may be exposed to traumatic testimony and graphic evidence, all while remaining impartial and setting aside personal views. This experience can be emotionally taxing. Jurors may also face financial hardship from missing work, particularly in lengthy trials. They must navigate the weight of difficult decisions and, at times, challenging group dynamics during deliberations. These realities demonstrate that jury service involves not only civic participation but also personal sacrifice. By increasing public understanding and encouraging open conversation, we can begin to remove barriers that make it difficult for jurors to feel supported during and after their service. Valuing jurors means embracing their health, dignity and mental health. Jury duty provides individuals with the opportunity to serve their communities and contribute directly to the administration of justice. It is a responsibility that strengthens democratic participation and reinforces confidence in our institutions. Recognizing jurors formally would help ensure that their contributions are acknowledged and that their experiences are better understood. It is time for Canada to formally acknowledge the people who perform jury duty, by designating the second week of May as jury duty appreciation week. We would educate Canadians, justice system participants and governments about the importance of jury service. We would raise awareness of what to expect, how individuals can prepare and how jurors can be supported throughout their service. The passage of the bill would demonstrate not only that we are thankful for jurors but also that we recognize the importance of supporting them. It would reinforce appreciation for those who uphold fairness, impartiality and justice in our courts. I thank past, present and future jurors for their contributions to a fair and effective justice system, and I urge all members of the House to support the swift passage of Bill S-226.

Mr. Speaker, constituents in my riding of Hamilton Centre elected this government to act quickly to strengthen Canada's justice system, which is why we brought forward several pieces of criminal justice legislation in the first four months of this newly elected government. Can the Minister of Justice tell the House what reforms the government is introducing to help the justice system work efficiently in our communities?

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share that our government is investing $35 million to help YWCA Hamilton build 84 new transitional housing units in my riding of Hamilton Centre. These homes will support women and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. The project includes 60 units for single women and 24 units for women-led households. It will also provide on-site supports, shared spaces and community amenities to help residents rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. For women and mothers fleeing violence and abuse, safe housing is more than just a roof over their heads. It is safety, it is support, and it is a fresh start. Our government is laser focused on building more affordable housing. I am proud of our government's support for this project and grateful to the YWCA Hamilton team, led by Medora Uppal, for the incredible work they do every day for our community.

Mr. Speaker, when folks in my riding of Hamilton Centre go to the gas station to fill up their cars, they will notice a difference at the pump. Yesterday, the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax came into effect, saving the average Canadian family 10¢ per litre on regular gasoline. This is just one way Canada's new government is making life more affordable. Can the secretary of state update us on this and other measures designed to put more money in the pockets of Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I rise to share exciting news for Hamilton. On April 1, I was proud to be joined by the Secretary of State for Sport and my Hamilton colleagues, along with representatives from Canada Border Services Agency, to announce that the CBSA has approved in principle a new licence for the Hamilton Container Terminal to operate a rail sufferance warehouse. For the first time, cargo arriving by ship can be processed right in Hamilton instead of being trucked to Toronto or Brampton. This means fewer trucks on our roads, less congestion and lower emissions. It also means faster processing, lower transportation costs and more economic activity staying in our city, supporting local jobs and helping keep costs down for Hamilton families. I would like to thank the Minister of Public Safety for his leadership in helping make this possible. This is how our government is building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, on March 2, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Health to my riding of Hamilton Centre. We began the day at Carole Anne's Place at YWCA Hamilton, where we learned more about the essential low-barrier sports being provided to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We then visited Womankind Addiction Service to see the important work being done to support women on their journey towards recovery and stability. We ended the day with doctors from Hamilton General Hospital and professors from McMaster University for a meaningful discussion about the future of health care and strengthening mental health supports in our community. Hamilton continues to emerge as a leading health sciences hub. With the dedication of our frontline workers, researchers and community organizations, I am confident that the work happening in Hamilton today will help build a healthier and stronger Canada tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, Canadians want to choose electric vehicles, but they also want the confidence that they will be able to charge them where they live, work and travel. This is a critical component of the government's auto strategy. Can the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources tell the House how today's announcement is helping build the charging infrastructure Canadians need while supporting jobs and investment across the country?

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight how much federal funding has been coming to my riding of Hamilton Centre since we were elected. We delivered $12.2 million to Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing to support indigenous people facing homelessness. We invested roughly $13 million to build 82 affordable units to tackle the homelessness crisis head-on. In budget 2025, we committed $25 million to the downtown Hamilton YMCA to expand mental health and housing supports for our most vulnerable. We also announced $950,000 to help expand the Art Gallery of Hamilton. That is not all. We provided $100,000 in funding for the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, $15,000 for the Boys and Girls Club and $288,000 for the Hamilton Conservation Authority. While the opposition talks, delays and divides, the government delivers.

Mr. Speaker, on December 19, we had the great joy of celebrating one of my constituents, Mr. Donald Brown, as he turned 100 years young. Mr. Brown is a treasure and inspiring member of our community. It was a true pleasure to welcome him to the office to talk about the environment and the clean energy topics that he remains deeply passionate about. I am delighted to stand here in the House of Commons to wish Mr. Brown a happy belated 100th birthday and another year filled with happiness and health. I send my congratulations to Mr. Brown.

Mr. Speaker, the world is changing, and Canada must change with it. At this critical moment, we cannot afford to be reliant on a single trading partner. We must build an economy that is stronger, self-sufficient and resilient to global shocks, which is why last week I was joined by the Minister of International Trade along with the CEO of Dofasco in Hamilton Centre to announce our government's new measures to protect and transform Canada's steel industry. We are taking bold actions to protect our steel sector, tightening limits on foreign steel imports and unlocking over $1 billion in new domestic demand for Canadian steel. We are lowering steel transportation costs by half and implementing the buy Canadian policy. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with our workers and businesses to modernize and to stay competitive. This is how we protect Canadian jobs, and this is how we build a stronger, more secure Canada.

Mr. Speaker, medical assistance in dying is a complex and deeply personal issue. It touches patients living with unbearable suffering, their family and friends, and the health care professionals who care for them. Today, as we begin consideration of Bill C-218, I want to speak to how we got here, what the bill proposes and some of the questions I have concerning this bill. Let me begin by briefly reviewing the path Parliament has taken over the last decade. Understanding the evolution of the law helps us understand the importance of moving carefully when changes are proposed. First, in 2015, in the Carter decision, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the blanket prohibition on physician-assisted dying because it violated section 7 of the charter. The court suspended its ruling so Parliament could craft a new framework, one that balanced individual autonomy and dignity with the sanctity of life and the need to protect vulnerable people. It also recognized that Parliament is owed a high degree of deference given the complexity of the issue and the competing societal values involved. Second, in December 2015, the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying, which was made up of MPs and senators, was tasked with making recommendations on the legal framework to respond to the Carter decision. That committee heard from 61 witnesses, received 132 briefs and published its recommendations in February 2016. Third, also in 2016, Parliament passed Bill C-14, which legalized the provision of MAID. It did so by creating a MAID framework in the Criminal Code made up of eligibility criteria to determine who can obtain MAID, procedural safeguards to ensure MAID is provided safely and exemptions to criminal offences such as murder for practitioners who provide MAID in accordance with these requirements. Eligibility for MAID was originally restricted to competent adults whose natural death was reasonably foreseeable. Fourth, in 2021, Parliament adopted Bill C-7, which expanded eligibility for MAID to those whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. It also added additional safeguards to address the increased complexity of providing MAID in those situations. At the same time, Parliament temporarily excluded for two years the eligibility of MAID for individuals whose only health condition was mental illness. Importantly, this was not due to stigma or stereotyping about mental illness, but because experts made it clear that unique considerations, including how to assess whether a mental illness is irremediable, required further study and that further health care system preparation was needed. Bill C-7 also required Parliament to establish the new Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, which heard from more than 150 witnesses, received hundreds of written briefs and submitted three reports. In addition, the bill called for the ministers of justice and health to initiate an independent expert review to recommend protocols, guidance and safeguards for MAID for mental illness, which they did. Fifth, in 2023, Parliament adopted Bill C-39, which extended the temporary exclusion of mental illness by one year to allow time for federal, provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with professional bodies, to prepare standards and training and to consider any recommendations from the special joint committee. Most recently, in early 2024, the special joint committee and several provincial and territorial ministers of health called for more time for provincial and territorial health systems to prepare for the lifting of the exclusion. Parliament passed Bill C-62, which extended the temporary exclusion to March 2027. At the same time, Parliament also mandated that further review be undertaken by a special joint committee of Parliament, which is to begin by February 28, 2026. The committee is expected to provide a further assessment by Parliament on the readiness of provincial and territorial health systems for the expansion of MAID eligibility to those whose only underlying condition is mental illness. I look forward to its findings and recommendations. We must also remember that when we speak of medical assistance in dying, we are speaking of a health service that doctors and nurse practitioners deliver as a part of end-of-life care. Changes to the legal framework for MAID would have significant repercussions for provincial and territorial health systems, and changes should be informed by the experience of the people responsible for health care in Canada. This brings me to the private member's bill, Bill C-218. At its core, the bill proposes two notable changes: number one, to replace the term “mental illness” with “mental disorder”; and number two, to change the structure of the exclusion provision. At first glance these may seem like technical adjustments, but the first change in particular could have significant consequences for eligibility for MAID and how the law is interpreted. The term “mental disorder” is used in the clinical world, but it covers a far broader range of conditions than “mental illness” is intended to capture. “Mental illness” refers mainly to conditions that fall within the domain of psychiatry; the term does not include neurocognitive or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, which is typically treated by other medical specialists. Under Bill C-218, however, this condition would now be captured by the exclusion, because it falls under the broader category of mental disorder. Currently, individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is a neurocognitive disorder are eligible for MAID. This leads me to an important question: Why broaden the exclusion to include conditions like Parkinson's disease that are currently eligible for MAID? If this was not the intent of the bill, then further clarity is needed. My second concern relates to the proposed change in Bill C-218 of the definition of “grievous and irremediable medical condition”. The Criminal Code's definition of this term includes three components: “a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability”, “an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability”, and “enduring physical or psychological suffering” that is due to the person's medical situation. Currently a mental illness is not considered to be an illness, disease or disability, for the purpose of MAID eligibility. This means that a mental illness cannot meet the first requirement of a grievous and irremediable condition. Bill C-218 proposes something different; it states, “a mental disorder is not a grievous and irremediable medical condition.” The question is, why? What problem does it aim to solve that the current exclusion does not already address? Could this change be perceived as saying that a mental illness cannot result in enduring suffering? When it comes to MAID, caution is essential; that is why the government has repeatedly committed to ensuring that provincial and territorial health systems are ready before any expansion would take effect. That includes training assessors and providers, developing and implementing clinical guidelines and supports, and strengthening oversight systems for MAID. Bill C-218 raises important questions, but before we move forward, we must ensure that its effects are clearly understood and aligned with the careful work Parliament has been doing for nearly a decade. The way Canada approaches MAID speaks to some of our most deeply held values: respect for personal autonomy and dignity, compassion for those who suffer, and a firm commitment to protecting vulnerable people. We owe it to Canadians—

Madam Speaker, I would congratulate the hon. member for his wonderful speech. There is a lot of the steel industry in my riding, especially Stelco, ArcelorMittal Dofasco and National Steel Car. I would like to ask the hon. member what else there is for steelworkers in the budget.

Mr. Speaker, the member for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek gave a beautiful speech. The word “steel” is mentioned 36 times in budget 2025. There are also big projects, such as $25 million for the YMCA, a project in the city the member represents. There is a lot for Hamilton in particular in the budget, and for all Canadians in general, so I ask the member of the opposition, why is he still not happy with the budget?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight how our government is delivering on our promise to build Canada strong. Through the build communities strong fund in budget 2025, communities like mine, Hamilton Centre, are already seeing real results. The Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA, a long-standing pillar in our city, will finally receive the critical funding it needs. As the president and CEO of the YMCA, Manny Figueiredo, said, the budget will “help unlock much-needed housing in the heart of Hamilton while creating a modern, inclusive, and sustainable hub that promotes health, connection, and belonging for people of all ages.” This is what budget 2025 delivers: a real impact for real people. While the opposition is focused on dividing Canadians, we are focused on investing in them and building stronger, safer and more connected communities.

Mr. Speaker, skilled trade workers are essential for building the homes, infrastructure and economy that Canadians rely on every day. Unions play a critical role in training the next generation of tradespeople and helping to address persistent labour shortages. Can the Secretary of State for Labour tell the House how budget 2025 is supporting union-based apprenticeship training and helping more Canadians build rewarding, high-paying careers in the skilled trades?

Mr. Speaker, Canada's housing crisis demands urgent action to lower costs and expand access to affordable and sustainable homes. Recently, the federal government, together with the City of Hamilton, celebrated the completion of 82 new homes on Queenston Road in Hamilton Centre. Our work did not stop there. We also marked the groundbreaking of a 40-unit supportive housing project on Gage Avenue North for indigenous people transitioning out of homelessness, investing $12 million. We are also proud to join Kiwanis Homes next week for the launch of its new project on Barton Street East, again in Hamilton Centre. We are working with community partners to build homes at a rate not seen since the Second World War.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered today on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinabe people. I am pleased to rise in the chamber to speak about the ways we can and must improve Canada's asylum system through the legislative amendments proposed in Bill C-12. Canada's immigration system has long been a source of pride and a key driver of economic growth. As global migration patterns evolve due to conflicts and crises, the government is committed to restoring balance and trust by building a more flexible and responsive system that safely manages the flow of people entering the country. The bill is an important and timely opportunity to address the mounting challenges Canada faces at our borders. I will go through some of these challenges and how the legislative changes in the bill would guide us toward a more secure and productive future. The first challenge facing many countries is the sharp rise in the number of people seeking asylum. Millions of people continue to flee conflict, persecution and instability, driving one of the most significant global migration shifts in modern history. Migration patterns are also evolving as people move across borders and oceans in search of safety and opportunity. Canada continues to be a destination of choice for those looking to build a better future. In 2022, Canada processed over 91,000 asylum claims. That number rose to over 143,000 in 2023 and to over 171,000 in 2024, nearly doubling in just two years. Our system has been strained by this increase. It has caused lengthy processing time and backlogs, as well as prolonged uncertainty for claimants. The bill puts forward amendments to improve the efficiency of asylum claim processing so that claimants would receive the fast, fair and final decisions they deserve. The proposed changes touch multiple parts of the process, from initial entry to timelines for decisions and follow-up actions. The focus is on the streamlining of operations while maintaining fairness and security. To start with, the bill proposes using a single online application for all claims. Right now, applications can be different depending on where the claim is made, whether that is at an airport, a land border office or an immigration office in Canada. A single online application would allow information to be shared more easily across Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; the Canada Border Services Agency; and the decision-making body, the Immigration and Refugee Board. The change would make the process more efficient for everyone. Next, we propose to enhance due diligence and reduce backlogs by making sure a claim is hearing-ready before it is referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board to schedule a hearing. Ensuring that only hearing-ready files are referred to the board would allow cases to be scheduled more confidently, reducing the need to postpone or follow up on incomplete files. The change would also strengthen program integrity by minimizing the back and forth between organizations. We also propose to improve the system by making it easier for the Immigration and Refugee Board to remove incomplete or unresponsive claims from caseload inventories. According to the bill, the board's refugee protection division would have the authority to determine that an application has been abandoned when a claimant fails to comply with certain requirements. It already has the authority to deem an asylum claim abandoned after it has been referred to it. It would now also be able to deem the claim abandoned if the requirements are not met before referral, such as in the case of submitting an incomplete application or failing to respond to requests. Claimants would still have the opportunity to explain why their claim should not be abandoned. The right would be enshrined in the legislation. Similarly, we propose to give the minister the authority to determine that a claim is withdrawn, following the request by a claimant or their representative. Today, it needs to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board for a separate withdrawal process. To assist with faster decision-making, we propose to officially transfer scheduling authority to the Immigration and Refugee Board. We would also mandate that in-Canada asylum claims can be adjudicated by the board only while the claimant is physically present in Canada. Likewise, admissibility hearings could also be held only while a person is here in Canada. These changes would help protect against fraud, reduce the need for postponements and maximize the availability of resources. The bill next addresses how to mitigate sudden increases in asylum claims and reduce pressure on the asylum system, while deterring those who may look to misuse the system. Canada's asylum system is already under significant strain, and we need to protect against potential future surges and alleviate the backlog. The new provisions would provide protection for those in need, while discouraging claims from people seeking to use the asylum system to get around immigration rules or to extend their temporary stay in Canada. That starts with creating an ineligibility rule for the claims that are not made within a reasonable timeline. The legislative changes would make claims made more than a year after the claimant first arrives in Canada ineligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board. This measure would apply to anyone who entered the country after June 24, 2020, including people in Canada on a work or study permit. It is meant to discourage misuse of the asylum system by those seeking a shortcut around regular immigration processes. There are several practical reasons for the amendment. The one-year time limit was chosen because a significant majority of people make a claim within their first year of being in Canada. The use of a one-year period is also a clear and easily communicated timeline for asylum seekers to understand the period in which their claim may be found eligible. The amendment would capture the claims of anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and it would apply whether the person has current valid status or has renewed their status, whether their status has expired or whether they were issued a new permit because the one-year starting point for the eligibility will be their first entry into Canada. While irregular border crossings have dropped significantly since the Safe Third Country Agreement was expanded in 2023, we still want to make a targeted legislative amendment. Under this change, foreign nationals who cross irregularly into Canada from the U.S. and make an asylum claim after 14 days would no longer have their claim referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board. Crossing into Canada between official border crossings is illegal and dangerous. We always urge people to use safe, regular pathways to enter our country, and always at ports of entry. People whose claims are found ineligible under the new rules would be able to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment to ensure that they are not being returned to a country or a situation where they would face persecution or serious harm. A third challenge Canada needs to be better equipped to face is another major world event like the COVID-19 pandemic. When that started, people put their travel plans on hold, but Canada's inventory of applications continued to grow. The current laws allow us to act in certain cases with individual documents, but not on a large scale in response to wide-ranging emergencies. We do not have the ability to cancel, suspend or change large numbers of immigration documents, which limits our management and response to unpredictable scenarios when needed. The legislation would allow the government to act on a large scale for immigration documents, like temporary resident visas, eTAs and permits. The government could also pause acceptance of new applications and suspend or cancel applications in our inventory when it is in the public interest to do so. Giving Canada more control over its immigration documents would allow us to respond to exceptional events in ways that protect Canadians and our public resources. A well-managed and efficient asylum system does more than uphold our international obligations; it ensures protection for the world's most vulnerable people while helping Canada maintain stability and compassion in an increasingly unpredictable world. The government is committed to strengthening Canadians' trust in the integrity of our immigration system. We do that by making sure our system remains fair and compassionate for those who are seeking our protection, while being effective, orderly and reliable for the country as a whole. The measures in Bill C-12 would help reinforce program integrity, speed up processing and offer greater clarity and certainty to people fleeing conflict and persecution when they need it most. We would be strengthening the system to reflect these realities and to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, we are committed to ensuring that our asylum system is efficient and flexible in the face of global crises. Let me be clear: Canada's asylum system is not a shortcut. That is why we introduced the measures: to reduce pressure on our system and protect it from a sudden rise in claims.