Giovanna Mingarelli

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to speak about an issue that demands not only our highest attention but also our sustained and collective action: violence against women and girls, and the protection of victims and survivors across Canada. Violence against women is not abstract. It is not rare. It is not confined to headlines or statistics. It is happening in our communities, in our neighbourhoods and too often behind closed doors. It affects women of all ages, backgrounds and regions, including in my riding of of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. This is why the protecting victims act would represent one of the most significant and necessary updates to Canada's criminal justice system in generations. While broad in scope, the legislation can be clearly understood through four core pillars: first, tackling gender-based and intimate partner violence; second, protecting children from predators; third, strengthening victims' rights; and fourth, addressing court delays and strengthening system integrity. Together, these reforms would modernize the Criminal Code to respond to contemporary threats, intervene earlier to prevent violence and ensure that the justice system works faster, more fairly and more compassionately for victims and survivors. Gender-based violence is rarely an isolated act. It is more of a cycle of control, fear and intimidation. This bill recognizes coercive and controlling behaviour, strengthens offences related to criminal harassment and modernizes the offence of non-consensual distribution of an intimate image to reflect the real harm caused by online sexual violence. It also recognizes the most tragic outcome of this violence by classifying femicide as first-degree murder, sending a clear message. Hate crimes and gender-based crimes will face the full extent of the law. Children face growing risks in a digital world where predators increasingly use technology to exploit and harm. Police-reported child sexual abuse and exploitation offences are now more than 12 times higher than in 2008. This legislation would strengthen protections by expanding child luring offences and sextortion offences, addressing youth recruitment and restoring mandatory minimum penalties for the most serious child sexual offences, with a safety valve to ensure just and constitutional sentences. It would send a clear message: Crimes against children will always be treated with the utmost seriousness. Justice is not just about convictions. It is also about how victims are treated at every step of the process. Too many survivors feel invisible, experience delays and are retraumatized by complex procedures. This bill strengthens the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights by building a trauma-informed, victim-centred justice system. It affirms victims' rights to respect and fairness, ensures the proactive disclosure of information, expands access to testimonial aids and clarifies victims' right to submit impact statements throughout the sentencing, parole and correctional system stages. It also improves information sharing so that victims are not left in the dark about decisions that affect their safety. Delays in the justice system have serious consequences. Too often, cases involving sexual assault and violent crime collapse before they are ever heard. The protecting victims act would respond directly by requiring that courts consider alternatives before dismissing cases for delay, modernizing how unreasonable delay is assessed and streamlining procedures in sexual offence trials. It would also expand the use of alternative and restorative measures where appropriate and where public safety is not at risk, ensuring accountability while preserving fairness. The urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. In 2024 alone, 187 women were violently killed in Canada, which is nearly one woman every two days. Behind every number is a life lost, a family devastated and a community forever changed. Victims continue to face barriers, retraumatization, a lack of information, procedural complexity and delays that erode confidence in the justice system. National inquiries, provincial inquests and the national action plan to end gender-based violence have all called for stronger protections, earlier interventions and a more reliable justice process. This legislation would answer those calls. Laws are important, but what happens on the ground is just as important. In my riding, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, organizations like Maison Interlude show us what concrete, effective support looks like. For over 40 years, Maison Interlude has placed women who are victims of domestic violence and their children at the heart of its mission. Thanks to the leadership of pioneering feminists and the dedication of its staff, Maison Interlude has become a true lifeline for families fleeing violence. That is why, last November, I was proud to announce, on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, more than $17 million in federal funding through the affordable housing fund to support the construction of 35 safe housing units in Embrun. This second-stage housing project will provide women and children fleeing violence with a safe, stable, and supportive living environment, an essential bridge between emergency shelter and long-term self-sufficiency. Each resident will receive personalized support to rebuild her life, regain her independence, and plan for a safer future. We will not only provide these women with a roof over their heads; we will offer them the stability and dignity they deserve. This is how policies come to life. This is how justice becomes tangible. The protecting victims act is about accountability. It is about prevention, and above all, it is about dignity. It builds on earlier reforms and represents the next major step in strengthening safety and justice for Canadians. It reflects a clear commitment to protecting women, children and all victims of violence, in law, in practice and in our communities. As we work to build Canada strong, we must ensure that strength is measured not only by economic independence, but also by how we protect the most vulnerable among us. I urge all members of the House to support this legislation and to stand with victims and survivors across Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for that great question. The bill establishes national standards under the Criminal Code while respecting provincial jurisdictions. The legislation already supports the provincial efforts in question.

Mr. Speaker, I will be honest. So much more has to be done to protect women and children from violence and from domestic violence and abuse. There is no question that more needs to be done. This bill is bringing forward and would essentially be providing a generational approach to reforming the Criminal Code to do, as much as possible, more than has been done in the past generation to support these issues. It never stops. We have to continue addressing the issues as they evolve, as technology evolves, as the judicial systems evolve and as instances of violence evolve. We have to keep going, but I do see in this legislation that the most we could do would be done, and that does not stop today.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is built on four fundamental pillars to support victims: combatting gender-based violence and intimate partner violence, protecting children from predators, strengthening victims' rights and reducing court delays. Together, these reforms modernize the Criminal Code to address contemporary threats, intervene earlier to prevent violence and ensure that the justice system operates more quickly and more fairly for victims and survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the food banks in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and to thank the dedicated volunteers who, day after day, support our constituents with dignity and compassion. Food banks are essential to our region's food security. From the beginning of my mandate, I have been committed to working closely with these organizations. Over the past year, I visited food banks in Hawkesbury, Vankleek Hill and Clarence-Rockland. Everywhere I went, I saw dedicated teams facing growing demand with often limited resources. I want to sincerely thank the food bank volunteers and staff. Their commitment is the backbone of our community. I am committed to keep working alongside them and to be a strong voice for the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, who are counting on us.

Mr. Speaker, in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where partnerships matter more than ever, Canada must work closely with allies, while also building new relationships with like-minded countries. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs update the House on how Canada is expanding its presence on the global stage, including through new forums and partnerships, to strengthen alliances, attract investment and support economic growth for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the growing importance of Canada's plant-based industry for our economy, our farmers and our future. Across the country, producers are diversifying into plant-based proteins, creating new markets, strengthening supply chains and adding value to Canadian crops. This sector is driving innovation, supporting rural communities and positioning Canada as a leader in sustainable agriculture. I believe this growth must be built in partnership with producers that have practical, market-driven policies grounded in the realities of those who feed our communities. Finally, I am delighted to acknowledge a distinguished delegation from Denmark, along with members of World Animal Protection Canada, who are visiting Ottawa this week and whose insights are advancing this important conversation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Bill C-16, the protecting victims act, which would strengthen the Criminal Code to better protect victims of violence and abuse. When I was elected as the member of Parliament for Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, I committed to protecting those experiencing violence and abuse. Today, I reaffirm that commitment. More must be done to address the rise in toxic and harassing behaviour, particularly online. Like many Canadians, I have received persistent, abusive communications. It is harassment and it is unacceptable. All Canadians, including every elected official in this House of Commons, have the right to a harassment-free home and work environment. Together, we must empower a public culture of respect, safety and dignity for all.

Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on making housing more affordable and helping more Canadians find homes in communities across the country. We are working with partners at every level to strengthen housing supply and support the delivery of more affordable housing from coast to coast to coast. Can the Minister of Housing share how the Build Canada Homes approach will help us continue to increase the supply of affordable housing across the country and deliver more results for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, in the face of economic upheaval, Canadians are doing what they have always done: adapting, helping one another and continuing to grow. More and more Canadians are choosing to discover and celebrate what makes our country unique. As more and more Canadians choose Okanagan wines over those from California or local breweries, such as the well-known Beau’s Brewing in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, could the Minister of Finance tell us how we are supporting this proudly Canadian industry?

Mr. Speaker, I have good news. Following almost unprecedented levels of collaboration, Bill C-19 has received royal assent. As a result, over 12 million Canadians will now receive vital support to help pay for groceries and other essentials. Canadians are expecting us to, once again, put partisanship aside and pass the budget implementation act. Can the parliamentary secretary update the House on how swift passage of the BIA would help unlock generational investments and build the strongest economy in the G7?

Madam Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Canada's outstanding dairy farmers. Dairy farmers from across the country are in Ottawa this week for their annual dairy policy conference. Every day, on thousands of farms across Canada, including many in my riding of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, farmers work tirelessly to provide Canadians with safe, nutritious and high-quality milk. This work is about a lot more than just feeding our families. Canada's dairy sector strengthens Canada, our economy, the vitality of our rural regions and our food sovereignty. Today, I want to sincerely thank Canada's dairy farmers for their commitment to their farms, their communities and our wonderful country.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the global context has put the Canadian economy, businesses and workers under a cloud of uncertainty. Our government has already taken significant steps to help Canadian families and workers improve their financial situation by cutting taxes for 22 million middle-class Canadians and eliminating the GST for first-time home buyers. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance inform the House of Commons of the new measures that will make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, as we move into the holiday season, I rise today to honour one of the greatest women I know: my mother, Leslie Jean Anderson. Jean gave birth to and raised seven children. She made every meal from scratch and built our home on a foundation of devotion and generosity. Like so many women across the country, she is one of our country's unsung heroes. Women take care of their families without pay, often without rest. They invest almost everything—their time, their energy and their hearts—in their families and their communities. This holiday season, let us recognize these extraordinary women, our mothers, for what they truly are: nation builders. I wish everyone, especially mothers, in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland and across Canada a very happy holiday season. Happy holidays, everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Surrey Newton. I am proud to rise today on behalf of the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland to share my thoughts on the new budget tabled this week. Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is a predominantly francophone rural riding that is woven tightly into the economic and social fabric of Canada's national capital region. The region is home to families of farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and community workers. It is a region where people believe in the values of hard work, solidarity and kindness. Budget 2025 provides a generational investment to make Canada and Prescott—Russell—Cumberland stronger, more sustainable and more resilient. This budget sets out $1 billion in investments over the next five years. I have been working hard to bring that investment to my riding and my community. During my election campaign, I made sure the people of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland knew my priorities, including fighting against tariffs, supporting agriculture, SMES, industry and the francophonie, and treating people with dignity and inclusion. Starting with tariffs, the effective U.S. tariff rate is now the highest it has been since the Great Depression in the 1930s. These tariffs are being applied to all countries and nearly all goods. I am proud to share that Canada has the best deal of any U.S. trading partner, with 85% of our trade being tariff-free. While some sectors remain deeply impacted, overall, Canadian exporters benefit from the lowest average U.S. tariff of any country, at 5.4%. I am proud of the build communities strong fund, which will invest $51 billion over 10 years, followed by $3 billion per year ongoing, to revitalize local infrastructure, including hospitals, universities and colleges, and build the new roads and bridges we need to move our goods. We will also use these funds to build water and transit systems that sustain our towns, municipalities and communities. Given the urgency of the moment, the government has also announced a series of new measures to protect workers and businesses in sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. During this time of uncertainty, our government is supporting Canadian auto workers, agricultural producers, manufacturers and other workers who have felt the effects of trade tensions. Over $25 billion has been announced in supports for workers and businesses. The government also expects $4.4 billion in tariff revenue. These measures will help give industries and workers the tools they need to build a more resilient Canadian economy. On agriculture, over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to meet passionate farmers like Michel Dignard and Jeannette Mongeon, who have a farm together in Embrun, and families from the Gillette farm, which is also located in Embrun. These families have worked their land for generations. On my visits to these farms, they talked to me about sustainability, market access and the need to support the next generation of farmers. This budget recognizes these realities. This budget invests over $639 million over five years to strengthen agriculture, including with increased compensation for producers through AgriStability, enhanced marketing supports and temporary increases to the advance payments program. These measures will help our farmers cope with rising costs, adapt to global market shifts and continue to feed our communities and our world. These investments mean that farms like the Dignard-Mongeon family farm and the Gillette farm will be able to keep innovating, diversifying their products and passing on their knowledge to the next generation. Supporting our local industries and small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of our rural economy, is also at the heart of our plan. We can think of businesses like Dunrobin Distilleries in Vankleek Hill, Nonna's Gelato in Plantagenet or the Homestead Pub in Embrun, all of which I had the pleasure to visit this summer. They keep our small towns alive, fun and thriving. That is why I welcome the new federal initiatives like the Strategic Response Fund, a $5-billion investment to help Canadian companies adapt, diversify, and grow. This includes $1 billion in the strategic innovation fund to support the steel industry's transition toward new lines of business and strengthening domestic supply chains. In Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, I have been fighting for our steelworkers at Ivaco Rolling Mills in L'Orignal, which helps protect hundreds of local jobs. I have met with them regularly since the spring. I have also had the pleasure of meeting with IMI Manufacturing, also in L'Orignal, which produces metal structures, generator shelters and base tanks. It is a company that strives to be a leader in safety and quality. In Hawkesbury, Tulmar Safety Systems is helping Canada reach our 5% NATO goals. With over 30 years of innovation, Tulmar designs, manufactures and services advanced safety solutions for land, air and sea applications, serving the defence, aviation and civil safety industries worldwide. It is companies like Tulmar Safety Systems that will deliver against the budget's investments into the Canadian Armed Forces. The budget proposes $81.8 billion over five years, on a cash basis, starting in 2025, to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the people who defend our country and keep us all safe. This includes over $9 billion in 2025 that was announced by the Prime Minister in June. Canada's new government is on a mission to build Canada strong through major infrastructure projects, a modern defence industry and millions more homes. Through the new buy Canadian policy, we are making government a force for nation-building, becoming our own best customer, protecting Canadian businesses and empowering our workers with high-paying careers that build prosperity here at home. The new buy Canadian policy is so important because it moves us from our best efforts to a real obligation to buy Canadian, ensuring that our public dollars support local jobs and local businesses right here at home. This budget is about building resilience, not dependence, and about giving our companies the tools they need to compete and succeed in a changing world. The francophonie is another key pillar in my riding. This week, I had the privilege of attending the welcoming francophone community of Hawkesbury's community forum to mark National Francophone Immigration Week. I met inspiring newcomers and families who have chosen to live, work, and raise their children in French. They enrich our communities and strengthen the social fabric of Canada and, most importantly, of Prescott—Russell—Cumberland. Today, I am also thinking of our francophone community organizations, such as the Prescott and Russell chapter of the Association canadienne-française de l'Ontario, which works tirelessly to provide services, promote culture and support integration. That is why I am delighted that this budget supports our francophone institutions and invests in programs like Canadian Heritage's building communities through arts and heritage program, which provides support for festivals, cultural projects and the vitality of our regions. Last week, I also met with passionate members of the Fédération des aînés francophones du Canada, which champions the rights and interests of seniors in minority situations to help them thrive in their own language and culture. Of course, protecting CBC/Radio-Canada is part of that vision, with a $150‑million investment to modernize our public broadcaster and ensure that it provides high-quality programming in French and English. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our local newspapers in Prescott—Russell—Cumberland, which are essential to democracy and to the vitality of our regions: Le Carillon, The Review, Vision, Tribune-Express, Reflet-News, Le Régional, TVC22 and others. I am very proud of this budget's $38.4 million over three years, starting in 2026, to Canadian Heritage for the special measures for journalism component of the Canada periodical fund to help small and community news outlets continue producing quality Canadian editorial and journalistic content.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, Prescott—Russell—Cumberland is the only riding in the province of Ontario that is predominantly francophone. It is very important for our community and our local organizations to receive funding and support for official languages from the federal government. In fact, 60% of our population is francophone, and 40% is anglophone. It is very important to continue to support funding and projects that will promote official languages in our region.

Mr. Speaker, the government is doing a lot to support affordable housing, including the Build Canada Homes fund, which is providing billions of dollars in funding to build sustainable homes, especially for the most vulnerable in society. I would invite the hon. member to consult the Build Canada Homes fund to explore all the great ways that Canadians, especially youth, are being supported by the initiative.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for this excellent question. I am very proud that new funds are being allocated to support National Acadian Day. I think it is very important for all communities across Canada to have access to funds to promote our francophone communities in every corner of this beautiful country. When we promote francophone festivals and culture, the effect is twofold, because we are also promoting official languages, which enrich our country.