Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, I was not born in Canada, but Canada is my adopted home. It is a place that I am very loyal to and committed to. As the member of Parliament representing the beautiful riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills, which is so diverse, with over 43 languages spoken there, I can talk about Bill C-25 and the importance of not just the perception of having free and fair elections but the actuality of it and making sure that Canadians have faith within our democracy. Canadians depend on free and fair elections. They need to be confident in our electoral process, confident that they can choose leaders who will prioritize communities here in Canada, including in Mississauga—Erin Mills. This is the importance of Bill C-25, the strong and free elections act. As the member of Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse communities in the country. One fact that unites all citizens in my riding is that democracy depends on trust. Canadians want to know that our elections are fair, that the information they receive is real, that ill-intentioned actors cannot manipulate our system and that the people who participate in public life can do so with confidence. This is why the bill matters. In Mississauga—Erin Mills, families, newcomers, students, seniors and small businesses all bring different experiences and different perspectives to our democracy, but they share a common expectation, and that is that our institutions will protect the integrity of our vote and our democracy. They expect laws that keep pace with modern threats, whether those threats come in the form of foreign interference, digital deception, dark money or intimidation aimed at political candidates. One practical problem the bill would address is the issue of unduly long ballots. In any riding with a large and busy electorate, including Mississauga—Erin Mills, a ballot that is intentionally overloaded does not strengthen our democracy. It creates confusion for voters, increases the burden on election workers and slows down the counting process. That is why Bill C-25 proposes measures to reduce unduly long ballots, including allowing voters to sign only one candidate nomination form and requiring each candidate in a riding to have their own official agent. These may sound like technical amendments, but for constituents who simply want an election process that is orderly, accessible and credible, these are important protections. The bill also responds to a newer and growing threat, which is digital impersonation and deepfakes. In many Canadian communities, and especially in Mississauga—Erin Mills, where residents are highly connected, receive information across many platforms and in many languages and often rely on digital communication to follow public affairs, the spread of false content can be especially damaging. A vital aspect of Bill C-25 is the creation of a new offence against these impersonations. It would also create a new offence against intentionally spreading false information about election processes or the voting process when someone knows it is false and intends to disrupt the conduct of an election or affect its results. This is not about limiting legitimate debate. It is about protecting the public from deliberate deception. The bill would also close important gaps by extending key election-related offences beyond the formal election period and into nomination and leadership contests. This matters because democratic integrity does not begin once a writ is dropped. In ridings like mine, where many people are politically engaged long before election day, these earlier stages of the process also deserve protection and scrutiny. Bill C-25 would extend existing offences such as undue foreign influence, offering or accepting a bribe, intimidation, impersonation, misleading publications, unauthorized computer use and broadcasting outside Canada. They also apply to nomination and leadership contests. This is a crucial reform because vulnerabilities in those contests can undermine confidence in the entire democratic process. The bill would also strengthen political financing rules, because Canadians want to know that their democracy is not being distorted by hidden or foreign money. Constituents expect transparency, accountability and fairness. They do not want anonymous or untraceable financial channels that are used to influence politics behind the scenes. Bill C-25 would prevent political parties from accepting anonymous or untraceable contributions, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid gift cards, money orders and other prepaid products. It would strengthen restrictions on third parties and foreign entities involved in regulated political activities. It would further ensure that third parties can pay for regulated political activities only with contributions from Canadian citizens and permanent residents or with their own money under limited conditions, while also barring foreign entities from contributing property or other services to those activities. That matters, because confidence in democracy is weakened when people believe money moves government illicitly. This bill also responds to the need for stronger enforcement. Canadians across the country want to know that election law is not only well written but also actually enforceable. This legislation would expand accountability to include those who are party to a violation, as well as those who conspire, attempt, advise or act as accessories after the fact. It would expand the administrative monetary penalty regime, increase maximum penalties and provide the commissioner of Canada elections with stronger tools to summon witnesses, compel evidence under oath and require the production or preservation of relevant documents. These measures are important, because a law without effective enforcement is not a real safeguard. There is another aspect of this bill that is especially relevant to public life today, and that is physical security and personal information. In an era when harassment can spread quickly online and personal information can be misused in harmful ways, many people are understandably hesitant to participate in politics. That concern is real in every part of our country. People in my riding want a democracy that is open, but they also want one that is safe. They want candidates, volunteers, election workers and community leaders to be able to take part without fearing that their home address, personal information or security will be carelessly exposed. Bill C-25 takes tangible steps in that direction. It would limit the publication of personal address information for returning officers, remove the requirement for a five-day advance notice of regulated fundraising events, limit the location details in post-event reports, increase reimbursement for eligible personal security expenses and establish stronger privacy policy requirements for federal political parties. Those privacy measures include requiring safeguards proportionate to the sensitivity of the information, appropriate steps in the event of a breach, equivalent protection when information is transferred and prohibitions on selling personal information or providing false or misleading information about why it is being collected. For citizens who care deeply about privacy, security and responsible public institutions, these are not minor administrative details; they are essential to our democratic confidence. This bill is also important because it is grounded in expert recommendations. The measures in Bill C-25 respond to recommendations from the public inquiry into foreign interference, from the Chief Electoral Officer and from the commissioner of Canada elections, and build on measures that had previously been proposed in a former bill, Bill C-65. This matters because protecting democracy should not be a partisan reflex. It should be a careful, evidence-based effort in order for us to ensure that our laws remain responsive to evolving threats, which are very real. Our constituents understand that democracy is strongest when people trust both the process and the institutions behind it. They want to know that ballots are manageable, that disinformation will be confronted, that foreign influence and foreign interference will be kept out, that personal information will be protected and that those who break election law will face meaningful consequences. Bill C-25 would advance that work. It would protect the vote, the process and participants, and it would help protect the public trust that holds our democracy together. For those reasons, I am very proud to support the strong and free elections act, Bill C-25.

Mr. Speaker, in 2018, at the justice committee, we studied the issue of coercive and controlling behaviour. From that time to now, we have been trying to make sure that women are safe in our communities. I would ask the member why he thinks we are not able to come together as a Parliament, as Canadians, as leaders in our country, to provide support to women and to make sure that their safety is paramount within our legislature and within our communities.

Mr. Speaker, while there were very heartfelt emotions that came from the member, I do question why she is conflating mandatory minimums with what victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence are facing. In 2018, when there was a study within the justice committee about coercive control behaviour as a Criminal Code charge, the chief of police for Peel Region was very much in favour of this and said we needed it. Even now, chiefs of police are standing up in support of the bill. I do not understand why the Conservatives are holding up a bill that would save lives. Every other day, a woman is murdered because of intimate partner violence. I do not understand the justification that the member has provided for voting against the bill.

Mr. Speaker, one thing I think we all need to understand is how important our sovereignty is and the fact that the government is not in the business of making money. It is in the business of facilitating and making sure each individual Canadian is well supported. The government right now has supported not only industry in these difficult times, but also individual Canadians, through things like the groceries and essentials benefit. Does the member favour supporting Canadians, or is this a gimmick for him to just get a leg up in how we operate and more of a partisan issue as opposed to supporting Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to go and see how we can work collaboratively in Houston with our own astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The member mentioned this in his speech, but I would like it if he could comment, perhaps, as to why we need the independent capability to launch, to work on research and development and to have access to space, as well as working collaboratively with other countries across the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a pillar of the Mississauga community, Mrs. Anjum Begum, who recently passed away. Hers was a classic immigrant success story. Arriving in the 1990s, she and her life partner, prominent journalist Latafat Ali Siddiqui, built a beautiful life with their four daughters. Together they became the heartbeat of our community, defined by philanthropy and compassion. Anjum's heart and her kitchen were always open. No one ever left her home without a hearty meal. Her values of hard work and integrity live on through her beloved daughters, Faran, Maleeha, Dania and Leena, whose successes and contributions were one of her proudest joys in life. The massive outpouring of grief at her service last week was a true testament to who she was and the impact that she made. I offer my deepest condolences to her family. May she rest in peace. [Member spoke in Arabic] [English]

Mr. Speaker, let me begin my remarks by recognizing the critical role that the Canadian Armed Forces plays. Every single member of the Canadian Armed Forces makes a commitment to serve this country. They step forward with a willingness to protect others, often at great personal cost and sacrifice. Because of that, we, as members of Parliament, have a responsibility to make sure that the systems around them, especially the justice system, work the way they are supposed to work and there is equality, fairness and justice. When these systems do not work, the consequences are very serious. They affect individuals, and they affect people's confidence in the institution. Ultimately, they affect the strength of the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole. At a time when the world is changing and we cannot always rely on the same assumptions that we used to, it is more important than ever that Canada strengthen its own defence capacity. That includes making sure that the members of the Canadian Armed Forces can rely on the systems around them to create a safe workspace for them. The strength of our Canadian Armed Forces is not just about capability; it is also about whether the people serving in it have confidence in the institution itself. That is where Bill C-11 comes in. Over the past several years, we have heard directly from survivors of sexual misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces, and what we have heard has always been consistent: The system was not always clear; accountability was difficult to navigate; and in too many cases, people lost trust in the process. The issue has been examined closely, including through the independent review led by former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour. Her findings pointed to a clear problem with how sexual misconduct cases were being handled within the military justice system. In particular, she spoke to the impact this has had on trust and morale within the Canadian Armed Forces and the need for a more consistent and reliable approach. One of her key recommendations was that Criminal Code sexual offences should be handled in the civilian justice system. Bill C-11 follows through with that recommendation. What Bill C-11 does, in practical terms, is provide clarity. It sets out that Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada involving members of the Canadian Armed Forces are to be investigated and prosecuted within the civilian system. That clarity is important. It means that individuals are not left navigating uncertainty. It means that cases are not delayed by questions of jurisdiction. It means that there is a consistent approach to how these serious matters are handled. It is also important to recognize that this direction is already being followed in practice. Since 2021, these cases have been proceeding through the civilian system. Bill C-11 would ensure that this approach is clearly established and consistently applied moving forward. Bill C-11 also introduces stronger, practical measures to ensure that victims are not left navigating the system by themselves. For example, it would establish victim liaison officers, who will support victims throughout the process, including during the transfer of cases between military and civilian authorities. The bill would also expand access to these supports to individuals acting on the victim's behalf, ensuring continuity and guidance at every stage. It would improve access to information by strengthening obligations to inform victims and witnesses of their rights, including in relation to publication bans, and ensuring that their wishes are considered in the entire process. Importantly, it clarifies that victims can speak about their own experiences, while still protecting the identity of others when required. Another important aspect of Bill C-11 is the focus on independence. It takes steps to strengthen how key roles within the military justice system are structured and appointed, so that decisions are made free from real or perceived influence from chain of command. That really matters, because confidence in the system depends not only on outcomes, but on whether people believe the process itself is fair and independent. The opposition has put forward amendments that would reintroduce a degree of flexibility between the military and civilian systems, including allowing cases to move between jurisdictions. However, that approach, to me, raises real concerns. It would add unnecessary complexity to an already difficult process, create the potential for delays and place a greater burden on individuals at a time when clarity is most needed. It is also not a trauma-informed approach, unfortunately. It asks individuals, often in the immediate aftermath of harm and trauma, to make complex decisions about how their cases should proceed. What we have heard is clear. People are not asking for more complexity. They are asking for a system that works. Bill C-11 is one part of a broader effort to address long-standing concerns within the Canadian Armed Forces. It is about making sure that every member of our armed forces can serve with dignity in an environment that reflects the values that we expect as Canadians. I am just now coming from the Indonesian embassy, where we were celebrating Ms. Kartini's influence on equality of opportunity for women, not just in Indonesia but across the world. That is exactly it. What Bill C-11 would do for our community and the Canadian Armed Forces is make sure that women and men who have faced sexual violence and sexual misconduct have the ability to take various approaches toward justice, make sure that their harms are acknowledged and rectified, and make sure that the workplace they operate in, which is already a very high-stress one, is one they can function in, where their services are valued and contribute to the growth and progress of Canada. The Canadian Armed Forces provides a very important role within our country and across the world. We need to make sure, through all the measures and tools available to us, that the serving men and women have the ability to serve effectively. With that, I do support this legislation. I hope that all members in this House will do the same and that this bill with respect to sexual misconduct, Bill C-11, along with all the other bills we have brought forward in the past few months, such as Bill C-16 to combat coercive controlling behaviour, or bail reforms and Criminal Code reforms across our country, gets quick passage so that Canadian Armed Forces members impacted by this have the swift justice they require. I look forward to questions from members.

Mr. Speaker, one thing I am really a big fan of is efficiency. Justice Arbour put in her time and effort and made some very significant contributions to this issue. I think it is now incumbent upon us, as members of Parliament, to move forward judiciously on this bill and make sure it provides the necessary support for our Canadian Armed Forces in the most efficient and fastest way possible and contributes to the improvement of our justice system in general.

Mr. Speaker, when victims are facing sexual misconduct or violence, it is so important to have a trauma-based response because going through the justice system re-emphasizes the challenges and hurt that they have gone through. We need to make sure that our justice system not only provides support to Canadians who are trying to move forward, seek justice for themselves and end the harm they have been facing, but also provides the perception of justice being conducted so that more people who have been harmed and have faced sexual violence or misconduct are also able to come forward and trust the system to take care of their justice as well.

Mr. Speaker, we have to understand that sexual misconduct and violence, even in the Canadian Armed Forces, is not something that came within a day, and it is not something that is going to go away within a day, either. Yes, Bill C-11 is very important and there has been a lot of progress made within the Canadian Armed Forces, but there is a lot more that should be done to continue to support victims of violence and misconduct. That requires support from all across the aisle. What Justice Arbour provided is a good starting point. What Bill C-11 would do, I think, is an excellent way to move forward, but it would not be the end. We need to do significantly more.

Mr. Speaker, students in Mississauga—Erin Mills are already feeling the impact of Doug Ford's cuts to OSAP. At a time when students are struggling to afford school, they are seeing the Ontario government spend millions on private jets instead of investing in our future generation. Students are taking on more debt, working more hours and questioning whether they can even afford to continue their education. Right now, when students need support the most, they are being asked to do more with less. That is exactly why our federal Liberal government is extending enhanced Canada student grants, with a 40% increase, through the 2026-27 school year, supporting more than half a million students with larger grants in Ontario. Students deserve a fair chance to succeed, and we will keep standing by them to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his great speech on Bill C-22. There are two aspects of this bill that my constituents have raised with me. One is about acknowledging that law enforcement agencies need to have these tools in order to conduct themselves effectively to protect our communities and society. The second aspect of it is about privacy and ensuring that persons like me, and the member as well, have the opportunity to just be a Canadian citizen and not be targeted based on what they look like or the religion they practise. Perhaps the member can help reinforce that this would be a fair bill and a fair opportunity, in the tools that would be presented to law enforcement, while also making sure that people's constitutional rights and their privacy would be protected.

Mr. Speaker, the story of women's rights is a story of courage and of persistence. From suffragettes who fought for our right to vote, to Olympians representing Canada and women leading in STEM, generations of women have pushed our country forward. Today, under our Prime Minister's leadership, Canada now has the largest women's caucus in our history, something we should all be proud of. We also know that the work must continue. Women around the world still face barriers to leadership. They face wage gaps and gender-based violence. Indigenous and racialized women continue to face even greater challenges. Therefore, while we recognize the progress that we have made, we must keep working until every woman and girl can live safely, lead freely and stand equal in every part of society, because no woman should have to fight for the rights that she already deserves.

Mr. Speaker, students in Mississauga—Erin Mills are clear: Doug Ford's decision to slash OSAP grants and increase student loans is devastating. This change will affect hundreds of thousands of students who rely on OSAP for post-secondary education and equality of opportunity. Yesterday, a health sciences student, not a so-called basket weaver, from my Mississauga—Erin Mills youth council shared how she now expects over $10,000 in additional debt, forcing her to delay her graduate studies and rethink her path. These policies push students deeper into debt and make it harder for them to build the skills that our economy needs. The federal government puts in 60% for OSAP loans, and that part is not impacted, but the Ontario government needs to understand that supporting youth means supporting our economy. Students deserve opportunity, not obstacles. Today, I call on Doug Ford to do the right thing and reverse the proposed measures so our youth can have that equality of opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most devastating things for us to see within our communities is the ongoing food insecurity. I just want to take a moment to thank the amazing grassroots organizations that are supporting people through food banks, making sure that food is on the table and providing supports for everyone. This benefit would absolutely help ensure that people are able to keep food on the table. I would like for the member to talk a bit about what the long-term plan is. Yes, we are in the business of supporting people, but we also want to make sure that there are long-term solutions. Can the member highlight some of those long-term plans? I would appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the member's speech. Talking about context and how we are supporting Canadians, whether it is through Bill C-19, the Canada child benefit, the dental care program, pharmacare, supporting seniors through New Horizons, Canada summer jobs, etc., it builds a safety net for Canadians. It boggles my mind that the party opposite refuses to support Canadians. Maybe the member can help us understand why the opposition does that.

Mr. Speaker, on this National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, six Canadians lost their lives simply for being Muslim and gathering for prayer. We remember them and honour the families who carry this loss. For Muslim Canadians, this day recalls the shock of seeing a place of worship turned into a site of violence, and it reminds us that Islamophobia is real and has destroyed lives in our country. While we have taken important steps by recognizing Islamophobia through Motion No. 103, developing anti-racism strategies, appointing a special representative on combatting Islamophobia, designating hate organizations as terrorists and more, there is a lot more to do. Today, I call on all Canadians to stand united against Islamophobia and all forms of hatred. I say, to Muslim Canadians, that I see them, I feel them and I have their backs.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honour Stephen Biss, a friend and a respected member of our Mississauga—Erin Mills community, who passed away suddenly and peacefully. Stephen was a dedicated community builder who believed in public service. I loved our conversations about public health, the environment and so much more. He gave more than four decades of his life to the practice of criminal law. Even in retirement, he continued to mentor, advise and advocate, always standing up for others. I was fortunate to know Stephen as a friend, and I will always value his warmth, his insight and his genuine love for his community. On behalf of Mississauga—Erin Mills, I extend my deepest condolences to his daughters Michèle and Renée, his wife Karen and the entire family. His legacy will live on forever.

Madam Speaker, gender-based violence is rampant across our country, across the world and in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills. It is not just an isolated, out-of-the-blue act of violence; it is often a mindset that is nurtured and fostered, often systemically, within families and communities, in the workplace and online. I thank the minister for addressing this generational issue. There are myths around the crime of coercive and controlling behaviour that say it brings policing into intimate partner relationships. Can the minister expand on how that crime would be enforced within our communities and what the positive impacts would be for our families and communities like Mississauga—Erin Mills?

Madam Speaker, I find this interesting. I know the member opposite is very well versed in the law and the different jurisdictions that operate in our country. Drafting laws is a federal responsibility. Implementing them is a provincial responsibility. Local police are involved as well. Speaking of local police, the Canadian Police Association has stated: It is encouraging to see the federal government respond quickly when concerns arise about how the justice system manages serious public safety issues. Courts must operate independently, but there are times when outcomes naturally raise questions for the public and for front line officers about whether the process reflects the gravity of the offences involved. Legislative action such as Bill C-16 helps reinforce confidence that the system can adapt when needed to protect the most vulnerable. We have police associations across the country agreeing that Bill C-16 is a solid bill. Can the member please put his politics aside and get behind this bill?

Mr. Speaker, today we welcome team Canada's national cricket team to the House, athletes who have shown that Canadian cricket is world class. Cricket in Canada has roots going back nearly 200 years, and it was Canada's first national sport. That legacy is not just history. This team is carrying it forward. In 2025, team Canada went unbeaten through the Americas regional qualifier to earn its place at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, our second straight qualification. With a new wave of homegrown talent and thriving local and national leagues, cricket is flourishing all across the country. Every year, cricket enthusiasts from across Canada come to Ottawa to raise awareness, advocate for the sport and play cricket with parliamentarians. Team Canada is proving that Canadian cricket is stepping onto the world stage with ambition and a future that Canadians can cheer for.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to stand up and lend my support to Bill C-15, the budget 2025 implementation act, no. 1. I have been in this Parliament for the past 10 years, and we have had so many opportunities to make sure that our economy is doing well and thriving where we need it to. Over these past six months, I have noticed that the Conservatives talk a great game about how we are not supporting our kids. Why would they vote against the national school food program? They say we are not supporting our kids. Why would they not support the early learning and child care program and $10-a-day child care? They say we are not cutting taxes for our middle class. Why would they not support the middle class taxes that we have cut in these past six months? This budget speaks to the many challenges that Canadians have been facing over these past number of years, whether it is tariffs or whether it is about a downturned economy, which is not just a Canadian phenomenon but a global phenomenon. As such, I am here to stand up and say that this budget really addresses the challenge of making sure that Canada, our economy, our people and our industries are put first. They need to be put first, and I would implore all of our colleagues here in the House to support this budget, because when we buy Canadian, when we focus on the Canadian economy by bringing in trade from province to province to territory to everybody, when we make sure our kids are well fed when they go to school and when we make sure that our international obligations are met and that we are investing in a Canadian policy, that is what Canada needs at this point. Right now, as we deal with a lot of these challenges, which are not just Canadian challenges but global challenges, it is time for us to have a team Canada approach. Therefore, I would implore our colleagues from across the aisle to make sure that Canada is put first, putting aside partisan politics; to make sure that we have affordable housing for each and every person; to make sure that our nation-building projects are supported by this Parliament; to make sure that Canada is moving forward in a progressive way and in a strong way; and to make sure that for generations to come, we remain Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, young people matter. They are not just our future; they are our now. I represented Canada at the Inter-Parliamentary Union's 151st assembly in Geneva, and the one thing I learned was that we need to meet young people where they are at. We need to include them in solving the challenges of our time, whether climate change; or humanitarian crises, including Gaza; or artificial intelligence. Their voices matter, and their innovation is going to help us in really solving these challenges. I really want to challenge all of the members of the House to ensure that we are including young people in our politics and in our ridings, to ensure that they are included in and are at the forefront of what we need to do to solve our world's problems.

Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for the phenomenal presentation. I am a young, brown, Muslim woman who represents my constituents in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills. The amount of hate that I and my colleagues who are similar to me, women in professional atmospheres, face on a regular basis is oftentimes devastating and hurtful to our functioning as individual citizens and as members of Parliament. Maybe the minister can help us by clarifying how Bill C-9 would help support women, especially those of colour, to continue to give back to Canada and build our communities stronger.

Mr. Speaker, cricket has come to Ottawa. Today we are joined by Canadians representing over 300,000 women and men who play cricket across our country and millions who watch and cheer the sport. Today is the third annual cricket match between Canadian parliamentarians and the Commonwealth diplomats, when they will square off and pitch for peace. Today is more than just about sports. It is about building friendships across the world celebrating cricket's growth here in Canada. For many MPs, senators and diplomats, today will be their first time playing cricket, but it will not be their last. I want to thank all the representatives of cricket who have joined us from coast to coast to coast. I thank Hassan Mirza, president of Canadian College and University Cricket, for his leadership and help in putting this together. Canada needs to invest in our young cricketers representing us all over the world. We are hopeful that we can continue to pitch for peace to build a stronger nation.

Mr. Speaker, what are the important things that this bill covers, why is Bill C-2 necessary in terms of our border security, and how are we going to work with our partners as we go through the bill's stages? Right now, it is at second reading and it will go into committee. How do we manage our relationships and collaborate to make sure that this bill is the perfect bill that would help Canadians in ensuring border safety and security?

Mr. Speaker, I am on my feet today to talk about Bill C-2 because I strongly feel there is a balance to be struck between public safety and the safety of our collective community in Canada and of our country, and the safety of individual rights. I think everybody in this House wants to go after child sex offenders transnationally. We want to make sure that law enforcement is modernized and has the tools it needs to go after bad guys. All of us want to crack down on money laundering, stop the cash flow of organized crime and deprive organized criminals of their illegal profits. We want to stop auto theft and ensure that our vehicles remain within our country and are not exported abroad and sold. We want to make sure that drug production comes to a halt. We want to make sure that fentanyl is not going between borders and, most importantly, is not ending up in the hands of the vulnerable communities all across Canada that suffer for it. At the same time, though, we want to make sure the majority of Canadians do not suffer for our collective safety. That balance is what this debate is all about, and that balance is what I am hoping the discussion at committee will be about. I am willing to support this bill to ensure that collective Canadian safety is paramount to where we are going with it, but at the same time, providing safeguards to individual Canadians is just as important. We want to make sure that we are not only collectively safe, but individually safe. A number of concerns have been raised about this bill, but I want to talk about some of the positive things that have been brought about. For example, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has said: Canada lags behind its international law enforcement partners in the ability to lawfully access electronic evidence associated to criminal activity. Transnational organised crime groups are exploiting this gap to victimize our communities across the country through serious crimes such as human, drug and firearm trafficking, auto theft, and violent profit-driven crime. These are serious things, and we need to equip our law enforcement, as they are dealing with and protecting our borders and our communities. The association goes on to say: The proposed Bill demonstrates a commitment to modernizing legislation and equipping law enforcement with necessary tools to combat transnational organized crime in an increasingly complex threat environment. In particular, the Bill sets out several important law amendments which will address systemic vulnerabilities within the justice system, providing critical tools for law enforcement, border services and intelligence agencies. I think those are very important pieces to this legislation. A number of issues have also been raised by civil society. However, I will first address some of the items this bill would and would not do that have been sensationalized and perhaps used to misinform the public. There have been talks about a ban on cash transactions over $10,000. However, if we read the bill, specifically part 11, line 136, and the exemptions for section 5 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, we see that there are exemptions for financial institutions, credit unions, etc., that would allow legitimate activity to happen. The intention of this bill is to go after the clandestine or nefarious nature of a money transfer. There is another claim, which I have heard members talk about in the House today, about our mail being opened. Under our current law, that is already allowed. However, the bill would remove the section on exempting our letters so that it not just about our parcels. When we talk about reasonable suspicion as a ground to open mail, I have some concerns about that, but ultimately, when we are talking about giving discretion to our law enforcement officers, the people we trust to hold office, that discretion needs to be honoured and valued. It also needs to ensure there is no systemic bias within that process. Somebody from a specific country should not be targeted, nor should they raise the reasonable suspicion of a mail officer or border officer. There are many other ways to do that. One major concern that has been raised is with respect to privacy, an issue of our time. It is not just about the privacy that we have regarding our phones and data tracking at the border. It goes across all ways. It goes across how we use our social media, how our Internet use is sold to third parties, how it is used to advertise and how it is used to basically figure out a pattern of who we are as people. There needs to be a deeper dive not just at the border, but all across the digital world we live in here in Canada. Where is our information stored? Who is it shared with? Where Bill C-2 addresses a part of that, I think we need to go a little further and expand it, perhaps in different legislation, to look at how we are protecting Canadians' data and their privacy, regardless of where they are within the country. That is a very important aspect of providing safety to Canadians. One part that does trouble me a bit is about sharing the data of Canadians with international partners. I think that, yes, we absolutely have obligations to our allies and partners, whether it is the Five Eyes, NATO or other partners, but first and foremost, we need to decide how we are going to protect Canadians and what our international obligations are with respect to privacy and human rights, and make sure that Bill C-2 conforms to that as well. We have a very robust judicial system that will eke out exactly how we need to ensure this is regulated. I realize that I only have two minutes left. I have a lot more to say, but I want to reinforce that this whole debate is not about the technicalities of the bill per se. I think it is a broader conversation about how we balance our need for public safety and security against our individual rights as Canadians. The majority of Canadians are strong, law-abiding, friendly, amazing people, and they should not have their rights stepped on because of a few nefarious actors. Having said that, we need to explore a little further what the balance could be between the very legitimate and well-founded concerns that civil society organizations have raised and the needs of our country and law enforcement with regard to safety and security. I find it to be an amazing step forward for our Prime Minister to say that we will have over 1,000 new CBSA officers providing resources on the ground for border safety and security, trying to combat drug trafficking, sex trafficking and money laundering, and trying to clamp down on organized crime. However, I also want to make sure that our laws are fit for purpose and that individual Canadians are well respected per their rights in our charter and Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, I think the member is talking about the ISPs and wiretaps on our phones. There are a number of different acts and laws that really combat this issue. From my understanding, there is no specific provision that says that, without a warrant, we can go and take somebody's data. Again, as we go through the bill process, I am looking forward to seeing how all of this information and the details and the technicalities come out within the committee stage, as well as to hearing from experts, to see how we can improve this bill to make sure that everybody's rights are protected.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Safety have announced that there will be 1,000 more CBSA officers to help patrol. As the work starts and continues, we have to be nimble. We have to make sure that our border patrol has the resources it needs in order to be successful. As I said in my speech, it is a changing landscape where we have the digital aspect of it and we have the physical aspect of it. Organized criminals are oftentimes 10 steps ahead of where we are, and we need to make sure that we are catching up with that pace. I look forward to working with the member to make sure we have that support—

Mr. Speaker, as I say often and as I say loudly, there is no government without a healthy and strong opposition. That is where good legislation comes from. In order for us to really think about the issues that we are discussing here today, in order for us to really work and collaborate together for the betterment of Canadians, the bill has to go to committee, so that not only do we hear about members' concerns, but most importantly, we hear from experts on specific aspects of the bill and propose amendments to make the bill stronger, so that both of our concerns are addressed. Those concerns are public safety and individual security.

Mr. Speaker, it was a busy summer in Mississauga—Erin Mills. I met with constituents across my riding, listening to their concerns and their hopes for the future of Canada. I hosted my annual community barbecue, where thousands of neighbours and their families came together to enjoy a meal and connect with our community. I facilitated round tables for constructive solution finding and joined my community in their events and their celebrations. What I heard most clearly was a growing concern about crime. Families want safe streets, parents want peace of mind for their children, and seniors want security in their homes and online. These concerns cannot be ignored. We must be ready to meet the moment. Our priority must be to reduce crime, support families and ensure that Canadians feel secure where they live. I will continue to work with colleagues in the House to deliver real solutions.

Mr. Speaker, all of us in this House are here to support our constituents. Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed partisanship to the detriment of Canadians. This summer, I challenge all members in this House, regardless of political affiliation, to stand up for Canadians by supporting small business. Small businesses across Canada continue to work hard and create jobs. Whether it is by travelling within Canada, shopping locally or choosing made-in-Canada products, we have the power to invest in our economy and strengthen our economy. As Canadians, we have all felt the impact of U.S. tariffs. It is now more important than ever to choose Canadian whenever possible. I will be doing just that as I head back to my riding this summer, and I encourage everyone to do so. Together, we can ensure that Canadian businesses thrive, communities grow stronger and our economy remains as resilient as ever.

Mr. Speaker, it has been four years since we lost the Afzaal family, Madiha, Salman, Talat and Yumnah, in a horrific Islamophobic attack that left a nine-year-old orphaned and a community devastated. This was not just a hate crime; it was terrorism, driven by Islamophobia and targeted hate. More and more, we are experiencing violent hate in Canada that breaks hearts, steals lives and impedes our collective identity. We need to do better. We remember the Afzaal family not just for how their lives ended but for how they lived, with love and with hope for a strong future. Tomorrow, as families gather to celebrate Eid al-Adha, we are reminded that they should be here too, celebrating and surrounded by loved ones. We owe it to them, and to everyone who has ever felt unsafe because of their identity, to do better, to protect Canadians against hate. Their lives mattered; their stories matter. We will remember, and we will act.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election, and through you I welcome all members of Parliament to the House. I look forward to working together as Canadians serving Canadians. I also want to thank the people of Mississauga—Erin Mills and my phenomenal team and volunteers for once again placing their trust in me. It is an honour to continue representing our beautiful community. Canadians have chosen a government, led by our Prime Minister, that is ready to meet the challenges ahead, such as global instability, threats to sovereignty and urgent pressures on housing and affordability. Our government has laid out a clear path: building a strong and inclusive economy, strengthening Canada's global role and deepening ties with our allies. We are focused on delivering real results, creating opportunity and removing interprovincial trade barriers to build one strong Canadian economy. Let us get to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my thoughts and the thoughts of my constituents in support of the Speech from the Throne. I welcome you in that chair, and I look forward to working with all members of the House on the really important work we have to do. When I first ran back in 2014-15 to become a candidate for the Liberal Party, and then went on to become a member of Parliament for the best riding in Canada, Mississauga—Erin Mills, the main objective I had as a 28-year-old first-generation immigrant, young racialized woman and lawyer was to make sure that every single Canadian had equality of opportunity and the ability to utilize what we build here in Parliament and as government as a foundation to make sure they succeed and that all Canadians succeed, because when one Canadian is successful, all of us are successful. I was really happy to hear the Speech from the Throne and am happy to talk about what it means to be Canadian, to talk about not only Canadian sovereignty and identity, but also the uniqueness of how we support one another and build community together. When I first moved to Canada as a young, impressionable 12-year-old girl coming from England, I was really surprised at how respectful our Canadian communities were. My front neighbours did not look like my side neighbours or my back neighbours, yet we continue to be one of the most peaceful and respectful communities in the world, as noted by leading organizations and the United Nations as well. I always wondered why that was, and I spent a lot of time working with volunteer organizations as a kid, whether it was my local library, food banks or art galleries, trying to understand what makes Canadians who we are. How are we so peaceful? How are we able to bring our differences together and utilize them for the betterment of each and every one of us? The reality of this over the past 25-year journey has been that it is not a flip of a switch, but a consistent, constant, determinative effort among all levels of government, civil society, grassroots organizations and indeed individual Canadians to make sure that we continue to build bridges among one another. Right now, Canada stands at a precipice. We are standing in a very insecure time. That is not because of who we are. A lot of it has to do with external factors. What the King's speech really highlighted for me is what the action plan is going to look like going forward to make sure that we maintain our sovereignty and decrease instability and make sure not only that each and every Canadian has equality of opportunity to do everything and succeed in everything they want to succeed in, but also that those who are less fortunate and need that extra foundation also have that support. In my 10 years in Parliament, I have served as a member of the justice committee and the chair of the justice committee. I have served on the access to information, privacy and ethics committee and the public accounts committee. I have served on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, as a former chair of the all-party women's caucus, as the vice-chair for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and most recently as the parliamentary secretary for national revenue. I have a solid understanding of what it takes for Parliament to come together and find the concrete solutions that each and every single member here in our chamber has heard about from our constituents. I can talk about the dire need for housing and affordability to make sure that equality of opportunity exists for a single mom who is having a difficult time putting food on the table because she is a single earner. As to precarious housing, there are those who really need housing and cannot afford it. There are young people who need jobs in order to get a leg up within our communities and grow our economy. We must make sure that Canada represents itself in a strong way on the international front as well, not only in how we deal with our neighbours to the south, but also in how we deal with significant challenges across the world, whether they are about Gaza, Ukraine, China, Russia, Sudan or Yemen. Ultimately, Canada needs to stand by the rule of law internationally and make sure that we are doing right by our partners and allies. That comes from having a consistent, solid and significant approach to how we do business here in this House. My colleague from Winnipeg North mentioned that we have a strong minority, but I disagree with that, because I do not think we have a strong minority. If each and every one of us in this Parliament puts aside partisan differences, comes together to build a strong, united Canada and talks about the interests of each and every one of our constituents first and foremost, then we are not a minority. We are the representatives of who we are as Canadians, what our identity is and where we need to go to protect Canada's sovereignty, to protect Canada strong and free. It is going to be a very interesting Parliament, I am sure. It is going to be a challenge to bring everyone together. I think this Speech from the Throne sets out key priorities to help us find common ground so we can put aside our partisan differences and actually talk about and find concrete solutions for the people who elected us and put us here in this chamber. I am willing to do that work, and I hope that all of my colleagues across all aisles here are willing to do that work also. In conclusion, the priorities that have been outlined in the Speech from the Throne represent the voices I heard in my constituency when I knocked on doors. They represent the conversations I had with my local mayor in Mississauga. They represent the conversations I had with our provincial parliamentarians in Ontario. They represent each and every person whose ideologies and fears were validated and heard through the Speech from the Throne. Going forward over this term, this is an excellent plan for making sure that each and every Canadian has the equality of opportunity to thrive and has the foundation needed to succeed, grow a family and be able to live a happy, united and strong Canadian life. I look forward to the questions that my colleagues have for me.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his re-election. The people of Canada spoke, and they elected a Liberal government. They also rejected Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative policies. When I talk about making sure that we work together collaboratively, I am talking on behalf of what I heard from constituents in my riding, who are saying, “Hey folks, we want you to get your stuff together. We want you to work together. We want you to represent all Canadian voices and one Canadian identity and make sure that you get things done in this Parliament.” I challenge the member: Can we do it or not?

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks. It gives me an opportunity to practise my French. Quebec identity and francophone identity are part of Canadian identity, and we are going to continue to make sure that every single Canadian is well represented. I have francophones in my riding, just as New Brunswick does, just as the Atlantic provinces do, just as Alberta does and just as the rest of Canada does. French and the francophonie are very much part of Canadian identity, and I want to make sure that we are collective here in Canada as we deal with our external threats.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Winnipeg North, who, I believe, still holds the record for the most words spoken in this chamber. It is about one Canadian identity. It is about one Canadian economy. When we talk about removing barriers, we are also talking about indirectly impacting other issues that arise from these barriers. It is not just about the economy; it is about labour and it is about movement of people and how we can provide services. For example, a lawyer in Ontario should be able to practise all across the country. A business that is functioning out of Saskatchewan should be able to provide business all over the country. It is not only about leveraging our resources for the better; it is about uniting Canadians, connecting Canadians and building a stronger Canada for everybody.

Mr. Speaker, as we come to the end of another session, I am delighted to wish neighbours in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills and all Canadians a very happy holiday season. This is a time for reflection and gratitude, a time to celebrate the values that unite us in kindness, hope and the spirit of generosity. We also recognize that, for many, this time of year can be challenging, and it is crucial that we come together to support one another. I want to express my sincere thanks to my incredible team, whose hard work and commitment continue to make a positive impact in our community. We have made progress this year, and we are ready to work even harder in the new year to support the people of Mississauga—Erin Mills and all Canadians. I wish members in the House and all Canadians a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and all the joy of the season.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to recognize the passing of Omar Zia. Omar Zia was a loving father, husband, son and brother. He dedicated his career to service in our community as a teacher in Peel School and, most recently, as principal of The Woodlands Secondary School. Omar was a mentor to so many young people in our community. He was breaking barriers, and he was an unwavering advocate for special education, anti-racism, volunteerism and youth. I had the privilege of working with him over the years and could see the compassion that he brought to work every single day. Last week, he sadly passed away at the age of 49. This weekend, we gather to mourn, share stories and say goodbye to our friend and brother. I will leave members with Omar Zia's signature question, which guided his life's work: “How will you make a positive impact today?”

Madam Speaker, today marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a day to honour the memory of the 14 women who were tragically murdered in the 1989 Polytechnique Montreal massacre, and so many more since. In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. In Peel region alone, police responded to over 16,000 incidents of family and intimate partner violence in 2023. That is 44 disputes every day and almost two every hour, and that is just what gets reported. That is not counting those who are silent. This violence against women goes beyond physical harm. With the rise of online platforms, harassment now includes trolling, hacking and doxing. This systemic violence heavily affects marginalized women, indigenous women, racialized women and those with disabilities. We must break this cycle. We must listen to and amplify survivors' voices, and strengthen support systems for those affected by violence.

Mr. Speaker, the International Criminal Court has made a historic move by issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. This sends a clear message: No one is above the law. As Canadians, we take pride in our commitment to human rights and the rule of law. I thank the Prime Minister for affirming that Canada will uphold the decision of the ICC. As a nation that helped establish the International Criminal Court and ratified the Rome Statute, it is our duty to uphold and abide by international law, ensuring that the people responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity are held to account. Canada must continue to stand firmly with international law and be clear that violations of human dignity will not be tolerated, no matter where or by whom they occur. Let us always stand for justice and the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, there are over 60,000 employees with the CRA. There are massive strategies that are being worked on with international partners to ensure that tax avoidance and tax evasion are being prevented. I look forward to working with all members in this House to make sure that we are providing the right amount of support to the CRA to ensure that we are working on this very important issue. Tax fairness is a pillar of our democracy, and we need to ensure that that continues to happen.

Mr. Speaker, the CRA takes the issue of fraud very seriously. With respect to what the member has talked about, we have supported whistle-blower rights, as shown in our support of the member's caucus bill, Bill C-290, which aims to increase protections for whistle-blowers. However, we need to find the right balance when it comes to making sure that Canadians' data is protected while also ensuring rights for whistle-blowers. The CRA has an internal process for reporting, and we look forward to continuing to work with all members in the House and the CRA to strengthen that process.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, we have the highest respect for whistle-blowers and support the private member's bill, Bill C-290, put forward by the member's caucus to protect whistle-blowers. Again, we also have to ensure that Canadians' data is protected. We have to make sure that tax avoidance and tax filings carry fairness within our country and within the system. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen that, and I look forward to working with the member for his ideas as well.

Mr. Speaker, there are situations that must be denounced. I have to say that our minister and our government have supported Bill C-290, that party's private member's bill. However, there are situations where we are not able to talk about issues, specifically with respect to section 241 of the Income Tax Act, but there are obligations and there are ways in which we are able to have whistle-blowers report what they need to within the CRA, and we are constantly working on these issues.

Mr. Speaker, I do not think that the challenge here is whistle-blowers. As I said earlier, there are ways within the CRA that people are able to report whatever misconduct they see. I think the question really is how we protect whistle-blowers. We have obviously supported Bill C-290 from the Bloc Québécois. I wonder if we can support the Conservative Party and its whistle-blower situation going on right now.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, a day that demands our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. As a member of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights, I heard devastating testimonies from hundreds of NGOs. These organizations are working in over 190 countries and territories worldwide, and they have revealed the brutal realities that children face in conflict zones. Today we continue working together to advocate for children facing crisis around the world, including in Sudan, Palestine, Ukraine and too many more. Since 2016, Canada has contributed millions in humanitarian funding, but financial support alone is not enough. We must strengthen international protocols, enhance legal protections and create better support systems for children at risk. Every child in Canada and across the world deserves safety, dignity and an opportunity to dream.