Chi Nguyen

Mr. Speaker, that was a fantastic speech by my colleague. We are both representatives of the incredible city of Toronto. One of the pain points in Toronto in terms of affordability is around child care. I am wondering if the member could speak to how and what we are doing as a government to ensure that families have access to such important economic infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak to Bill C-219, the Sergei Magnitsky international anti-corruption and human rights act. I would like to thank the hon. member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for bringing this legislation forward. It was very helpful to have more of the context and the story behind why he has been pushing forward this bill. Bill C-219 reflects core values that Canada has always represented. These values are represented in the institutions we have built as a country, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The charter was introduced under a Liberal government and reflects our nationwide commitment to fundamental freedoms, equality, democratic rights and the rule of law. These values do not stop at our borders. They also shape how we engage internationally. When we speak out against human rights abuses or take action against corruption and repression abroad, we do so because these are the core values that Canadians believe in. Bill C-219 would build on these principles by strengthening Canada's ability to better respond to international human rights challenges and violations while also continuing to uphold the humanitarian principles that define us. Bill C-219 proposes amendments to three laws: the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act; the Special Economic Measures Act; and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. The amendments would strengthen Canada's sanctions and update human rights frameworks. These amendments would occur in the following ways. Firstly, the bill would amend the DFATD Act to require the minister to report annually on human rights efforts, including efforts to secure the release of human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience. The bill would also amend the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act to lower the threshold for the use of sanctions to be inclusive of emerging threats like transnational repression and cybercrime. It would also provide for increased penalties, establish clear timelines and rename Canada's existing sanctions legislation to commemorate Sergei Magnitsky. The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development also made important amendments to further strengthen the bill. The reporting provisions were amended to take into consideration the complex situation that prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders are in, while still making sure the government is accountable in publishing an annual report on these activities. The committee also adopted a broadened trigger related to conduct that undermines peace, stability and democracy, allowing the government to sanction individuals for a wide range of activities including cybercrime, organized crime, arbitrary detention and other forms of transnational misconduct. These changes recognize that threats to human rights increasingly cross borders. Canada must be equipped to respond to evolving challenges. The amendments would also ensure that the seizure of private assets of sanctioned individuals follows a clear legislative process and timeline while ensuring that due process is respected. These changes would also increase and align evasion penalties to provide greater consistency through a Canada sanctions framework. The work on this bill shows what we can achieve when parliamentarians work productively together. The committee spent weeks working collaboratively to strengthen the legislation by removing provisions that could have created unnecessary burdens, hindered the government's ability to adapt sanctions or potentially put human rights defenders at risk. This is a strong example of how multipartisan efforts can make Canada stronger, both here at home and abroad. Bill C-219 would make important changes to modernize Canada's sanctions regime. These measures would increase accountability by requiring the government to publish an annual report on efforts to advance human rights. In recent months, our country has been having important discussions about how Canada can strengthen its role on the stage as a middle power. As Prime Minister Mark Carney has noted, middle powers like Canada are not powerless in the face of global uncertainty. By working with like-minded partners—

Madam Speaker, by working with like-minded partners, we can help uphold human rights, defend democracy and strengthen the rules-based international order. On the world stage, our government has been working hard on strengthening our international relationships and trade. We have advanced engagement with Vietnam, India, the Philippines and ASEAN partners, among others. We are on track to doubling Canada's preferential global market access from 1.5 billion to three billion consumers in the next six months. Canada's role as a middle power is about more than trade. It is also about working with partners to defend human rights, uphold the rule of law and respond to those who threaten peace, security and democratic institutions. Trade cannot come at the expense of workers, whether in Canada or in our partner countries. Supporting labour rights and workers' rights helps ensure that Canadian trade is not built on exploitation or sweatshop conditions. We must also take corruption seriously. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, weakens economic development, distorts markets and erodes public trust. Canada has rightly recognized the strategic importance of regions such as the Indo-Pacific, and we do not need to wait for countries to achieve perfect democratic outcomes before building strong bilateral relationships. Engagement allows Canada to strengthen economic ties, deepen people-to-people connections and create opportunities for co-operation on shared challenges. We know we cannot meaningfully engage in international trade and strengthen Canada's presence on the world stage without also standing up for the most vulnerable in places where their rights are neglected. I often hear from constituents in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront about their concerns regarding international human rights abuses. As one of Canada's most diverse communities, Spadina—Harbourfront is home to people with roots in every corner of the world. Many remain closely connected to family, friends and communities abroad. I have had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of constituents, many of whom have been very clear with me about the importance of democratic institutions, human rights and fundamental freedoms. These conversations remind me that human rights cannot be held as abstract concepts. The consequences of political repression, arbitrary detention, corruption and democratic backsliding are felt by real people in real time. Canadians expect their elected officials to stand up for the human rights and dignity of all people. They also expect our government to take urgent action. Our government continues to defend human rights through targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for gross human rights violations. Since 2022, Canada has sanctioned nearly 4,000 entities or vessels. In total, over 5,000 individuals and entities have been designated by Canada across its autonomous sanctions regime. Our government remains committed to playing a leadership role in preserving and strengthening the international rules-based order. As Canadians, we are proud of our commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These values are reflected in our charter, our institutions and the way we engage with the world. Human rights are not only Canadian values but universal values. Sanctions are one means of ensuring accountability when individuals engage in serious human rights abuses. Bill C-219 recognizes that these threats continue to evolve and that Canada's legislative framework evolves alongside them. At its core, this bill is about accountability and ensuring that people responsible for serious human rights abuses and corruption face consequences for their actions. Bill C-219 would strengthen our ability to meet that significant responsibility and lead us toward a more secure and just world. Canada must stand up when rights and freedoms are under threat. For that reason, I am pleased to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this chamber to speak to Bill C-39, the building Canada strong act. Over the past year, our government has been hard at work for Canadians at one of the most pivotal moments in our history. We continue to respond to the threats against our economy and to the social vulnerabilities that Canadians face every day. The trade war with the United States and recent tariffs have worsened many of these challenges, and as the world continues to rapidly change, Canadians expect us to act. Our government was elected with a mandate to build a stronger, more resilient economy. For the past year and a half, we have been working hard to deliver on this mandate. We have strengthened the economy by cutting taxes for the middle class. We have eliminated the GST on new homes valued up to $1 million, helping first-time homebuyers save up to $50,000. We have partnered with the Government of Ontario to eliminate the full 13% of the HST on new homes valued up to $1 million, saving up to $130,000 for all buyers in Ontario. We are seeing early and fast results. Our economy continues to show resilience, growing by 3.3% in Q2, the fastest in the G7. This summer, our government posted a record high of non-U.S. trade at $25.6 billion, with productivity rising by 4% in the second quarter, the largest increase since 2020. We have also introduced measures to address affordability for Canadians. Canadians expect us to continue this work. The building Canada strong act is nation-building legislation. It is about how we invest today in Canadian infrastructure to shape our strength and resilience for generations to come. The building Canada strong act would bring greater speed, certainty and predictability to strengthen our economy, attract investment, create good union jobs and position Canada for long-term success in the 21st century. As the Prime Minister has stated, Canada is a country of high standards, but high standards should not mean slow decisions. This legislation is one of the most ambitious reforms in recent history and is built knowing that in one year, with one consultation, we can come to one decision on some of the most critical projects in Canada's history. Our government knows that we cannot build a resilient economy without protecting the rights of workers and all Canadians who work hard every day to keep this country together. We will do this while upholding Canada's environmental standards and respecting indigenous rights. Canada's long-term economic success depends on reliable and efficient transportation networks that connect businesses to domestic and international markets. My riding knows this very well. Spadina—Harbourfront lives at the intersection of trade, transportation and economic growth. From the port of Toronto to major rail corridors and regional transportation infrastructure, residents see how much of Canada's prosperity depends on our ability to move people and goods effectively. Bill C-39 would strengthen Canada's trade corridors and ports, helping Canadian goods move more quickly, unlock new markets and build more resilient supply chains. For those who call our waterfront home, these waters are an integral part of our community and our economy. Our government has also made record investments to decarbonize our trade. The green shipping corridor program, with a total funding budget of nearly $150 million, is removing barriers to the adoption of emissions-reducing equipment and infrastructure. We are introducing measures to embed indigenous representation in Canadian ports, amending the Canada Marine Act to establish indigenous advisory committees to enhance dialogue with indigenous communities. Indigenous consultation is essential to building the projects that Canada needs. Beyond ports, we cannot now or ever build without respecting indigenous rights and ensuring that indigenous communities are engaged as true, meaningful partners throughout this process. This legislation builds on the important study undertaken by the transport, infrastructure and communities committee earlier this year through its study on Canada's ports. We heard from witnesses across the sector about the urgent need to improve supply chains, reduce bottlenecks, modernize port infrastructure and improve Canada's competitiveness as a trading nation. Bill C-39 responds directly to these challenges. It would create the conditions for a more reliable, resilient transportation system. Our government knows that we cannot build a resilient economy without protecting the rights of workers and all Canadians who work hard every day to build this country. I am proud to come from a family of union workers. My riding also includes a strong union presence, including IATSE Locals 58 and 822, CUPE Local 79, USW Local 1998, SEIU, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, ACTRA, and the Canadian Media Guild, among many. Workers are critical to a strong Canadian economy. The building Canada strong act would modernize the federal labour framework and strengthen protections for workers in federally regulated sectors, helping to support good jobs for a growing economy. The legislation would introduce greater transparency and accountability around the use of section 107 by requiring the minister to consider an independent special mediator's report and assess the national interest impacts of a dispute before exercising these authorities. The special mediator is to ensure that disputes are approached through dialogue and negotiated solutions that reflect both the interests and needs of workers and the broader public interest. These changes would reinforce the central role of collective bargaining, encourage parties to resolve disputes at the bargaining table and fully protect the right to strike. Strong labour relations contribute to a stronger Canada. Our government knows that we cannot build fast without ensuring we maintain high environmental standards. These projects, including transmission lines, hydro, renewables projects and critical minerals are necessary for our future and will also deliver good jobs and investment. As a waterfront community, Spadina—Harbourfront understands that economic growth and environmental stewardship are not competing priorities. We all rely on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We all benefit from strong economic growth. Canadians want to see major projects move forward, but they also expect strong environmental safeguards. Our goal is to build faster where we can while continuing to preserve our environment for future generations. Protecting these resources is a shared responsibility, which is why I welcome the work of my colleagues, the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, who just announced our new oceans protection plan, and the hon. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who recently launched public consultations to inform Canada's first national water security strategy, soliciting input from Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This builds on the work we have already committed to, such as the Pacific salmon strategy initiative and the freshwater action plan. Our government understands that in order to strengthen our ports, we need to also protect our waterways. These efforts go hand in hand. Our government understands that how we respond to climate change will shape our economy, our communities and our global standing for generations to come. Canada is rising to this challenge. One bill does not capture the full scope of the work our government is doing. Bill C-39 is part of a broader strategy being taken to accelerate the development of nation-building projects. We must take a whole-of-government approach and consider how these measures, along with the actions we have taken over the past year, connect together. We are creating jobs, strengthening trade and growing our economy while continuing to uphold Canada's high environmental standards. This legislation would also establish clearer, simpler and more predictable processes for project proponents and indigenous groups participating in project consultations, giving investors the clarity they need to put capital to work and build in Canada. No efforts we make happen in isolation, and if we are to work together towards the shared ambition of building Canada strong for all, we must start with understanding how we can rebalance our systems. Before I was an elected member of this House, I worked on building system solutions to our most intractable challenges, such as affordable housing, gender-based violence and social financing. These experiences reinforced for me the importance of ambitious public policy. Governments have a responsibility not only to respond to challenges, but also to help shape the conditions for long-term prosperity. Bill C-39 recognizes that government has a role to play in helping Canada build, compete and grow while ensuring that the benefits of that growth are shared across the country. As Professor Mariana Mazzucato at University College of London describes, we must believe in our power to shape markets, direct innovation and lead social transformation. An element she defines as critical for achieving the common good is this idea of access for all and reward sharing. This is a moment that calls for ambition. Bill C-39 would help Canada build faster and compete in a changing world. I will support it, and I encourage all members of this House to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, as a mom of two kids, I am often thinking about the future that we are building for this country. I strongly believe that we are finding an approach and a process that allows us to move more quickly while still putting the work in place to do the assessments and make sure that the rigour is in place for us to move forward on these major projects.