Jean Yip

Mr. Speaker, September is a season of new beginnings, new classes, new teachers and new opportunities. For many families in Scarborough—Agincourt, it is also a time to come together and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Celebrated by Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese and other Asian communities around the world, the festival is a time for family, friendship and reunion. Here in Scarborough—Agincourt, families will gather to share mooncakes, admire colourful lanterns and enjoy time together under the full moon. As students begin a new school year, I wish them every success in the year ahead. To everyone celebrating, I wish them and their families a joyful and peaceful Mid-Autumn Festival. [Member spoke in Cantonese and Mandarin] [English]

Mr. Speaker, known worldwide for its talent and creativity, Canada's cultural industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationally and drives economic growth. In 2023, China was Canada's fourth-largest creative export market. During the Prime Minister's visit to Beijing in January, Canada and China committed to advancing further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships. Can the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages please update the House about his recent trip to China?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic milestone in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt. Earlier this week, the Sri Varasiththi Vinaayagar Hindu Temple celebrated the consecration of the first traditional black granite Hindu temple of its kind in Canada. Built according to ancient south Indian traditions, it has been hand-carved by skilled artisans for over five years, with each granite stone carefully shaped and assembled here in Canada. Made possible through the generosity and dedication of its community, this project is a spiritual home for thousands and a lasting contribution to Canada's multicultural fabric. I give my heartfelt congratulations to all those whose vision and devotion made it possible. This remarkable temple will stand for generations as a beacon of unity, culture and faith.

Mr. Speaker, older Canadians are some of the most engaged members of the Scarborough—Agincourt community. Whether advocating on affordability issues, volunteering their time or sharing their wisdom, seniors in my community are always there to strengthen the neighbourhood. Could the Secretary of State for Seniors tell the House how the federal government is helping seniors across Canada with the rising cost of living while also promoting initiatives that keep older Canadians active, connected and thriving in their communities?

Mr. Speaker, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is grounded in six core values: inclusiveness, integrity, kindness, optimism, respect and well-being. Once in a lifetime, we may encounter someone who truly lives and breathes these ideals. Medhat Sabet Mahdy, the former president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto, was one of those rare individuals. Earlier this month, sadly, he passed away. He was an inspiring community builder who was named to the Order of Canada in recognition of his more than 50 years serving the YMCA, which he transformed into a place for social infrastructure and health equity. He championed causes like combatting anti-Black racism and youth homelessness and expanding child care centres. His impact on Scarborough—Agincourt is ongoing through his work on the Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre, a project that, when completed, will serve as a physical embodiment of his vision, compassion and unwavering commitment. Medhat's life's work will continue to resonate for generations to come. Smile on.

Mr. Speaker, today is National Canadian Film Day. This year, there are more than 2,000 free screenings taking place across Canada and in 50 countries around the world. Canada is home to exceptional screen talent, including award-winning actors Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, brothers who grew up in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt. People may recognize them from films like John Wick or Selma and from series like the new Canadian comedy Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story. When the brothers co-founded their production company, they named it Bay Mills Studios after their Scarborough neighbourhood. When others called Bay Mills “at risk”, their mother said it was only at risk of being excellent, a sentiment her sons clearly took to heart. Their story captures what Canadian film does best: reflecting who we are, where we come from and the excellence we produce when talent is given the chance to shine.

Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for Canada. Consideration of the budget implementation act is nearly complete, and we can expect royal assent shortly. Families in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt know we are investing in Canada's future, building an economy that is strong and resilient to global shocks, unlocking generational investments in our long-term prosperity, driving economic growth and modernizing our tax and financial systems. Can the Minister of Finance tell us how else the bill will help Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, this month, east and southeast Asian communities in Canada and around the world are celebrating Lunar New Year, one of the most important traditions across many cultures. This year, 2026, marks the year of the fire horse, a rare occurrence that comes just once every 60 years. The horse symbolizes energy, determination and freedom. The fire element is said to amplify these traits, bringing passion, intensity and transformative momentum to the year ahead. Yesterday, I welcomed members of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino communities to Parliament Hill to celebrate this special occasion. I thank my colleagues who made the event special. Lunar New Year concludes with the lantern festival on March 3. May the light from the lanterns bring health, happiness and prosperity to all. Xin nian kuai le. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. Chúc mung năm moi. Jyun siu zit fai lok.

Mr. Speaker, during the Advent season, the themes of hope, peace, joy and love guide meaningful reflection and provide a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal as we await Christ's birth. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of hosting Christmas on the Hill. Our caucus welcomed guests from across the country to celebrate the season with music, faith, food and fellowship. I am proud that our Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of expression and the freedom of religion. I want to wish people from my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt and across Canada of all faiths the happiest of holidays, a happy Hanukkah, a happy Kwanza and a very merry Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, across Canada our constituents, like mine in Scarborough—Agincourt, are voicing concerns about violent crime, repeat offending and the safety of their communities. These concerns are rooted in real experiences and in a desire to have a justice system that protects the public and upholds the rule of law. That is why I rise today to talk about Bill C-242, the jail not bail act, as part of a broader national conversation about how our bail system should function: how it can best manage risk, promote accountability and maintain confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-242, introduced by the hon. member for Oxford, proposes a number of amendments to the Criminal Code and the Department of Justice Act. Among other measures, the bill would expand reverse onus provisions for certain violent offences, restrict release by peace officers for major crimes and modify the standard at bail hearings for assessing risk. Specifically, Bill C-242 seeks to make public protection a guiding principle in all bail decisions. It would expand the list of offences for which an accused must demonstrate why they should be released, adding a range of serious violent crimes to existing reverse onus provisions. It would also prevent individuals charged with major indictable offences, such as homicide, kidnapping or sexual assault, from being released by a peace officer following arrest. In addition, the bill proposes that only a superior court judge would be able to determine bail for someone charged with a major offence while already on release for another, reflecting the heightened risks involved in repeat offending. The bill would also prohibit anyone convicted of an indictable offence in the past 10 years from acting as a surety, and it would require non-citizens to surrender their passport as a condition of release. Finally, it would lower the threshold for assessing risk, changing the standard from a substantial likelihood of reoffending to what is reasonably foreseeable, and it would require explicit consideration of an accused person's criminal history when determining bail. The bill's proposal to give paramount importance to public safety above other principles of bail deserves close scrutiny, and we are committed to doing that, but we cannot be reactive. We must strike the right balance. By elevating public safety above all other factors, we risk overlooking cases where the accused does not pose a danger to the community but may present other risks, such as flight risk. In such circumstances, a narrow focus could paradoxically lead to the release of individuals who should remain in custody, while also eroding long-standing principles of bail. Moreover, public safety is already a well-established ground for detention under existing law, so it is unclear what additional value the proposal would actually add to the existing framework. People in Canada expect their justice system to be firm, fair and focused on safety. They expect that individuals who pose a real threat to others will be dealt with decisively and that victims and communities will be protected. The government shares that commitment. The government has taken and will continue to take strong, targeted action to make Canada's bail system more responsive to the risks posed by repeat violent offenders. In 2024, Parliament passed reforms that were supported unanimously by provinces and territories. These changes made it more difficult for individuals charged with serious violent offences, particularly those involving firearms or other weapons, to obtain bail. They addressed real concerns with community safety and responded directly to the concerns raised by police services and provincial and territorial leaders across the country. At the same time, the government knows that supporting first responders is an essential part of ensuring community safety. Police officers, paramedics, firefighters, correctional officers and health care workers face violence and danger as part of their daily work. Through Bill C-3, Parliament took action to protect those who protect us. That legislation amended the Criminal Code to create tougher penalties for assaults against health care workers and first responders. It sent a clear and unequivocal message that violence against the people serving our communities is never acceptable. Bill C-3 was also part of a broader approach that recognizes the complexity of these challenges. It strengthened the justice system not only through penalties but also through education and awareness, ensuring that our judges, law enforcement officers and service providers have the tools and the understanding they need in order to respond effectively. However, the government's work did not stop there. Recently the Prime Minister announced that the government would bring forward new legislation to strengthen bail provisions for organized crime-related offences, including auto theft, home invasion and human trafficking. These measures are designed to address the kinds of high-risk, repeat behaviour that most undermine public safety and confidence. As Parliament continues its study of Bill C-242 and other proposed reforms, it is important that our discussions remain grounded in evidence, guided by collaboration with provinces and territories and focused on the shared goal of keeping Canadians safe. Public safety and public confidence depend not only on the laws we pass but also on how those laws are implemented, monitored and enforced. That is why the government continues to prioritize data collection, transparency and accountability in the bail system, so we can identify what works, close the gaps and ensure that the system delivers on its promise of protection and fairness. Law enforcement remains on the front line of this effort. Police services across the country are adapting to increasingly complex cases involving firearms, organized crime and repeat violent behaviour. The federal government continues to work closely with police associations and provincial counterparts to ensure that officers have the legal tools and the operational resources they need in order to keep people in Canada safe. That co-operation is essential because public safety cannot be achieved in isolation; it requires co-ordination among all levels of government and clear communication among the courts, police and the communities they serve. We must also recognize that public confidence in the criminal justice system is as much about visibility as it is about outcomes. People in Canada need to see that justice is being done, that bail decisions are informed by fact, that breaches are enforced and that high-risk offenders are monitored closely. Transparency in these processes helps restore trust, and trust is the foundation on which our entire justice system depends. People in Canada deserve a justice system that reflects both firmness and fairness, one that distinguishes between people who can be safely managed in the community and those who cannot. They deserve to know that when someone poses a serious risk to public safety, the system will respond swiftly, decisively and effectively. That is the approach the government continues to take. Through legislation such as Bill C-3, recent bail reforms and the Prime Minister's announcement on reforming the bail system, the government is acting to strengthen public safety while upholding the principles of justice that define this country. Public safety will always be a top priority for the current government. People in Canada expect no less. As we consider proposals for reform, including the ones before us today, we must continue to work together to ensure that our laws remain strong, fair and effective in keeping our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, October is Women's History Month, and it is not over yet. Join me in celebrating all the amazing women and girls across the country, women past and present who have made groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, pioneered innovations in AI, championed in public service and so much more. On this side of the House, we invest in women's prosperity. We have contributed $7 billion through the women entrepreneurship strategy to support over 400,000 women in launching and scaling up their businesses. On this side of the House, we invest in women's safety. We have contributed over $539 million through the national action plan to end gender-based violence to better protect women and end the cycle of violence. On this side of the House, we invest in women's leadership. Women make up 40% of our Liberal team in Parliament, and we have the largest women's caucus in Canadian history. We know that when we invest in women, Canada thrives.

Mr. Speaker, [Member spoke in Mandarin] [English] Today, millions celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival. Not only is it an important celebration in Chinese culture, but similar celebrations are also held in Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities. Like many traditional harvest festivals, it coincides with the full moon, and the focus is on family, food and prosperity. It is also known as the Mooncake Festival, with cakes that feature an egg yolk in the middle to signify the moon, which represents unity, harmony and prosperity. The origin story of moon goddess Chang'e and her earth-bound husband Hou Yi is all about reunion. Moved by true love, the mother of the moon allows the couple to be reunited each year on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. This has now become a time of reunion around the world, particularly for families. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. [Member spoke in Mandarin] [English]

Mr. Speaker, right now trade diversification is top of mind for many of the small businesses in Scarborough—Agincourt and also for Canadians across the country. Our new Minister of International Trade has already met with counterparts and business partners in South America and Europe. Can the Minister of International Trade tell us how he plans to diversify Canada's trade portfolio in the current geopolitical climate?

Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of Scarborough—Agincourt for placing their trust in me a fourth time. Much appreciation and gratitude go to the many volunteers and supporters, the campaign team and my family, who all worked so hard to allow me to continue to be a voice in Ottawa and also in the riding. I am here for them and because of them. I want to welcome all the new constituents who have joined Scarborough—Agincourt because of the federal electoral boundary changes. I will focus on affordability, tariff concerns and community safety, which is what I heard about at the doors. We are truly a vibrant community, which is reflected in our many places of worship, small businesses and excellent restaurants. I am so very proud to represent one of the most culturally diverse ridings in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I was honoured to host Christmas on the Hill. We welcomed constituents with heartfelt personal reflections and joyous music from the All Nations Full Gospel Church Ottawa choir. We shared the warmth of the Christmas spirit, spoke about the importance of caring for others and celebrated the birth of Jesus. I also had the opportunity to formally introduce my motion, Motion No. 171, to designate December as Canadian Christian month. I want to wish my fellow parliamentarians and Canadians from coast to coast, especially residents of my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt, the happiest of holidays, a happy Hanukkah, a happy Kwanzaa and a very merry Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, the government is introducing a two-month tax break for all Canadians. After all their talk about cutting taxes, one would expect the Conservatives to walk the walk and support this measure, but they voted against it. Can the Minister of Small Business speak more about what the government is doing to make life better and safer for Canadians and businesses?

Mr. Speaker, last year, we announced a $471-million federal investment in Toronto through the housing accelerator fund to unlock nearly 12,000 new homes over the next three years and over 53,000 over the next decade. A few weeks ago, the Conservative leader announced his plan to shut down homebuilding by making dangerous cuts to federal housing investments. People in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt cannot afford these kinds of Conservative housing cuts. Can the Minister of Housing update the House on how he is solving the housing crisis?

Mr. Speaker, from the rising cost of living to climate change, we know that young people today face unique challenges. Their mental health needs are complex. Our government is making sure that young Canadians get the care they need, when and where they need it. It is a promise we put forward in 2021 to build a stronger, more resilient Canada. Today, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions announced the launch of the youth mental health fund. Could the minister share details about this historic investment with the House?

Mr. Speaker, 27% of the residents in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt are seniors. They remember when the previous government cut their pensions, increased the retirement age and made life more difficult for them. Since 2015, our government has provided much-needed relief for seniors. Can the Prime Minister remind Canadians of the concrete vision we have taken to support seniors across the country?

Mr. Speaker, 750,000 Canadians have already received care through the Canadian dental care plan, and that number will keep rising. Almost 9,900 constituents in my riding of Scarborough—Agincourt have enrolled in the program. Many seniors have been able to get dental care after years of not being able to afford to. Can the Minister of Health update this House on how the Canadian dental care plan is helping Canadians access dental care?