Parliamentary Speeches

Mr. Speaker, glory to my fair flag, the flag of Ontario's francophones. Today, we are celebrating the 51st anniversary of our beautiful Franco-Ontarian flag, which was recognized 25 years ago by the Ontario legislature as our official emblem. The flag remains a powerful and unifying symbol of the Franco-Ontarian community. As a proud Franco-Ontarian, I want to pay tribute to all the francophones and francophiles who contribute to enriching our culture and promoting our identity. Preserving our heritage, making our voices heard and asserting our place within Ontario society remain collective responsibilities. Today is a day to celebrate our community's vitality with confidence and determination, while looking ahead to tomorrow. To put the focus where it belongs, we need to stand up and celebrate. Long live the Franco-Ontarian community, long live the francophonie and happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you are one who appreciates a great shawarma. On June 7, the second edition of the shawarma festival was held in my riding in the Byward Market. More than 20,000 people attended. It was a massive success and a very tasty one. A major highlight was the successful attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest shawarma wrap in the world, which reached an impressive length of 373.53 metres. Imagine that. This remarkable effort resulted in a total of 2,451 sandwiches that were donated to the Shepherds of Good Hope. What is more, I had the privilege of serving as a judge to crown the best shawarma in Ottawa. After tasting nine shawarmas, Boustan took first prize, with 3 Brothers and Shawarma Palace coming in second and third, respectively. I want to thank Moe Mosalam and the Giza Entertainment team for hosting an incredible event. This is proof that when our community comes together, we do not just break records. We build a stronger, more caring city for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I have some good news for the national capital region and eastern Ontario. Collège La Cité has received an investment of over $1.6 million to improve access to oral health care. This funding will be used to establish a mobile dental clinic providing services directly in our communities, including services for seniors and children, to reduce barriers to care. Each outreach visit will be staffed with two dental technologists and two to four students, for whom this initiative will provide a valuable, hands-on internship experience. The Collège La Cité clinic will also get a treatment room adapted for neurodivergent young people or those with other special needs. Through this initiative, families will be able to get care close to home in a welcoming, inclusive environment adapted to their needs. The investment shows the engagement of the Government of Canada to make health care more accessible and equitable for all. That is how we are building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has been taking concrete action to combat forced labour through the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, which the Liberal government passed in 2024. Under this act, government institutions and businesses must report on the risks of forced and child labour in their supply chains, and outline the steps they are taking to address them. This is about increasing transparency, strengthening accountability and ensuring Canadian supply chains reflect Canadian values.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to share the fact that Canada is taking concrete steps to support a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. We have joined forces with Australia and the United Kingdom to establish a new International Peace Fund. Canada will contribute $2 million over three years alongside its partners, and the funding will be provided to recognized and trusted civil society organizations. This initiative demonstrates our firm commitment to a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the tabling of a white paper by the Réseau d'enseignement francophone à distance, or REFAD, on inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in distance education. This document is the product of a collective effort. It highlights concrete issues facing francophone learners and institutions, especially in a minority context. In today's digital age, we have to ensure that no one is left behind. This white paper contains practical recommendations for building a more inclusive, equitable and accessible education system for all of Canada's francophones. I congratulate REFAD, its partners and the working group for their efforts and contributions to this analysis of a topic of vital importance to Canada's francophonie. Through these initiatives and the Government of Canada's commitment to official languages and accessibility, we are building a more inclusive Canada where everyone has full access to learning opportunities, regardless of their circumstances or background.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Gérard Lévesque, who passed away recently. He was a committed Franco-Ontarian and active member of the community in my riding of Etobicoke—Lakeshore. Gérard dedicated his life to defending and promoting Ontario's francophone community. As a seasoned lawyer, he was a strong advocate for access to justice in French and for French-language education in Ontario. We owe him a debt of gratitude. Gérard was a man of courage and conviction who never hesitated to take decisive action to advance language rights. His commitment has had a real and lasting impact on our community. I had the privilege of working with him, and he really believed in advancing the cause of the francophonie. Beyond his career, Gérard also was a brilliant writer whose words inspired reflection and dialogue. Today, we deeply feel his absence, but his legacy remains very much alive. It will continue to inspire future generations. We offer our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and the entire community. We thank Gérard for everything he did.

Mr. Speaker, it is tax season time, and this weekend we are once again supporting families in Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester through our free tax clinic, by helping them complete their income tax returns. This is an opportunity to support people who need some help filing their tax returns, because filing a return is essential for accessing important benefits like the Canadian dental care plan, the Canada child benefit, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit and the GST/HST credit, to help with the cost of living. I thank Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier; our teams; and all the volunteers for their time and commitment during the four tax clinics that were held this month. Thanks to them, we are making it easier to access essential programs to improve quality of life. Through this collective effort, we have helped over 160 families. Together, we are making a real difference for our community.

Mr. Speaker, Canada does not support Iran for positions of influence in the United Nations. Iran was nominated to the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination by acclamation. As the position was uncontested, there was no opportunity for a vote. The vote to elect nominated candidates will take place in the UN General Assembly in November. Canada works closely with partners to actively counter Iran's candidacies in UN bodies and will continue to do so on all occasions.

Mr. Speaker, Canada is deeply concerned by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is threatening global energy security and economic stability. As we have emphasized, Canada's focus is on ensuring the safe and unimpeded flow of energy and commerce in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We urge all parties to de-escalate the conflict, and we will continue to work alongside our G7 and like-minded allies to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly honoured to rise in the House to recognize the remarkable career of Saint‑Phard Désir. Mr. Désir served for 14 years as the executive director of the Centre d'établissement, de soutien et d'orientation communautaire, the CESOC. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in service, engagement and compassion. Under his leadership, the CESOC experienced significant growth, expanded its services and strengthened its vital role in supporting thousands of francophone newcomer families in the area. Thanks to his vision, unifying leadership and integrity, Mr. Désir transformed complex challenges into opportunities to build a more inclusive, more united and stronger society. Saint-Phard Désir's departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains indelible. On behalf of our community, we wish to express our deep gratitude for his exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions. We welcome the new director, Ms. Jephtée, and I reaffirm my commitment and willingness to collaborate with her in her new role.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was clear. First of all, Canada was not consulted, did not participate, and has no plans to participate in the offensive actions against Iran. We support efforts to end Iran's nuclear program and decades of state-sponsored terrorism. Canada's priorities are clear. As the Prime Minister said, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, international law must be respected, and we will stand for the safety and security of Canadians wherever they may be in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I believe the Prime Minister has been very clear: International law must be respected. There is a situation unfolding. I am not sure if we are talking about the sanctions lifted by the Americans on Russian oil, but we obviously condemn the strikes carried out by Iran against civilians and civilian infrastructure, specifically energy and maritime infrastructure in the Middle East. We know that Russia is attempting to capitalize on these price increases, and Canada is opposed to that.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly honoured to rise today in the House of Commons to mark International Women's Day, which took place on March 8. On Saturday, in my riding, we had the honour of celebrating and recognizing, for the fourth consecutive year, 19 exceptional women from Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester who actively contribute to our community. Through their commitment, leadership and dedication, they strengthen our communities and inspire us all to continue to take meaningful action. International Women's Day reminds us of the importance of recognizing women's achievements and continuing our efforts to promote gender equality and equity. On March 8, we honour the women who built, the women who resisted, the women who innovated, the women who make a difference in their community and the women who, every day in their personal and professional lives, create a more humane, more united and more courageous world. When women succeed, everyone succeeds.

Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands. Tonight's debate comes at a time of profound uncertainty in the Middle East. Canada's position on the current situation is clear: We are calling for de-escalation, we urge all parties to exercise restraint, and we reaffirm that the security and sovereignty of partners in the region must be protected. At the same time, Canada has long been clear-eyed about one of the central drivers of instability in the Middle East: the actions of the Iranian regime. For decades, Iran's leadership has pursued policies that undermine regional security. The regime has supported armed proxy groups throughout the Middle East, advanced its ballistic missile capabilities and continued activities related to uranium enrichment that raise serious concerns for the international community. In recent days, those destabilizing patterns have been on full display. Although the geopolitical dimensions of this crisis are considerable, we must also acknowledge its deeply human dimension. Tens of thousands of Canadians live, work and travel throughout the Middle East every year. Many of them now find themselves in a rapidly changing security situation. For our government, protecting Canadians abroad is the most urgent priority. As soon as tensions began to escalate, we activated our crisis response mechanisms. Consular officers throughout the region are working tirelessly to assist Canadians seeking information, advice and support. Global Affairs Canada has launched a major consular operation. Additional staff have been deployed throughout the region. Our diplomatic missions have strengthened their consular capacity, and the 24-hour Emergency Response and Watch Centre has been actively co-ordinating assistance for Canadians seeking to leave the affected areas. This effort is based on several departure options. Where airspace remains open, Canada has secured seats for Canadians on commercial flights and has also arranged charter flights to ensure safe departures. For example, the Government of Canada has chartered flights from Dubai and secured seats on flights out of Lebanon to help Canadians leave the region. These efforts have already produced results: Over 900 Canadians have left the region thanks to flights and buses organized or facilitated by the Government of Canada. One particular chartered flight transported some 180 Canadians out of Dubai, and hundreds more seats on commercial flights have been reserved to enable Canadians to depart in the days to come. In areas where no flights are available, Canada has worked with partners to support departures by land. That includes helping Canadians who crossed borders by ground transportation to reach neighbouring countries where Canadian consular officials are ready to assist them on the next leg of their journey. Canadian officials have been deployed to countries such as Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to get Canadians across borders and provide them with immediate support, assistance with their documents and, of course, help arranging travel back to Canada. This is complex work that requires dedicated public servants working tirelessly to make it happen. Airspace closures, flight cancellations and rapidly changing security conditions prevent evacuation operations from following a single, predictable path. However, the guiding objective remains clear: to ensure that Canadians who want to leave the region have access to safe departure options, provided that leaving is possible and safe. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep Canadians safe, and that includes bringing them home. These are the responsibilities of a country that takes its international role seriously, and they are responsibilities that Canada will continue to perform with determination, diligence and resolve.

Mr. Chair, the Prime Minister has been clear. At a time when Canadians are scattered across the region, we want to make sure they are safe. Obviously, we want to ensure an end to the regime, and we want to ensure that all regions of the country are secure. This evening, I had an opportunity to speak with Canadians about the importance of protecting Canadians currently in the region and of finding ways to bring them back to Canada if they so wish.

Mr. Chair, the government is always ready to ensure that consular services are deployed in times of crisis. In this case, the Government of Canada was clearly ready to assess how many Canadians had questions and how many were asking for support to leave the region. Obviously, it has to be done safely. We also sent a number of officials to help those who were already working on the ground. The work of our officials is important, as is the work of the consular services team, both on the ground and in Canada, who are working 24 hours a day to repatriate Canadians who want to return to Canada.

Mr. Chair, I thought I was clear. The Prime Minister wants to ensure that Canadians are safe when they are deployed or when they are in the Middle East. We also want to make sure that this regime does not have the capacity to carry out the terrorist acts it is currently committing. That is why Canada listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization, among other things, to support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In addition, if I am not mistaken, we imposed more than 200 sanctions against Iranian individuals. Our position is clear and we will maintain it.

Mr. Chair, from what I have observed this week, responses have been provided in both official languages. If my colleague has specific examples to share with me, I am more than willing to take a look at them. We are capable of providing our services in both official languages, and we must do so. If there is one thing I will do, it is ensure that this is the case. Now, if my hon. colleague has any examples to offer me in order to improve consular services, we are always open to hearing them. The important thing is protecting Canadians and keeping them safe when they are abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark Black History Month, a time when we come together to recognize the powerful contributions, resilience and legacy of Black communities across Canada and throughout the world. On Monday, in my riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, we took some time to discuss, reflect on and honour Black brilliance across generations, from today's nation builders to tomorrow's visionaries. This month, schools, organizations and communities are coming together to share stories, highlight achievements and deepen our understanding of Black history in Canada. These celebrations are not only about the past. They are about building a future rooted in dignity, opportunity and shared progress. Let this month be more than a commemoration. Let it inspire us to listen, to learn and to act. Let us honour the legacy of Black Canadians by advancing the work still before us and by ensuring that every person in every community can thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge World Cancer Day, which took place last Wednesday. It is a time when the entire world comes together in the spirit of awareness, solidarity and hope. It is a day to honour those who have lost their lives and those who are still fighting and to recognize the caregivers who show extraordinary courage every day. In particular, we remember Terry Fox. His perseverance united a nation, his courage inspired the world and his determination continues to guide us and unite us. Last Wednesday, the Terry Fox Foundation announced that it has surpassed the milestone of $1 billion raised in support of life-saving cancer research, thanks to the contributions of millions of volunteers, partners and supporters from coast to coast to coast. This historic achievement reflects the generosity of Canadians and their unwavering commitment to a future without cancer. Let this day be more than just a moment. Let it inspire us to keep on moving. Let us honour those fighting cancer by supporting progress wherever we can. Let us carry forward the journey that Terry Fox began. Let us finish it.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to recognize the important work that Canadian civil society organizations are doing around the world in these difficult times. During this International Development Week, I want to recognize the critical contributions of hundreds of workers from these organizations across Canada and especially those from Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester. Canadian international assistance has long been a beacon of hope around the world. The assistance that we provide supports the development of clean water and sanitation facilities, trains health care professionals on reducing infant mortality and ensures universal access to basic education for children, especially young girls. With Canada's place in the world more important than ever, our government is committed to working with our civil society partners to build a strong and prosperous Canada. We know that when we work together, Canadians deliver for the world. By investing in overseas development assistance, our government is implementing a pragmatic approach—

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Joanne Andrews for her 32 years of outstanding leadership at the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa, an organization that, for 44 years, has been helping thousands of vulnerable children have access to warm snowsuits to weather our winters. Under her leadership, the fund has been giving out 16,000 snowsuits every year to children in need, bringing warmth, dignity and hope to families. For three decades, Joanne has been an example of generosity, solidarity and unwavering commitment, which has changed lives and strengthened our community. Thanks to Joanne and to volunteers, The Snowsuit Fund has become a true pillar of solidarity in Ottawa, providing warmth and dignity to thousands of families. Its impact is immense and deserves to be recognized. On behalf of the residents of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester, I want to thank Joanne for her remarkable dedication and exemplary service. Her work is inspiring, essential and deeply appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I pay tribute to Rolande Faucher, a strong, dependable and passionate woman who was not afraid to speak her mind. A tireless activist, sociologist and researcher, she devoted her life to defending francophone interests and promoting education and culture in Ontario. Rolande was more than just a community builder and leader. She was an inspiring female role model who had a huge influence on me and everyone else who had the good fortune to know her and work alongside her. Her courage and bold vision paved the way for cultural and educational initiatives, including a Franco-Ontarian cultural centre known as the Mouvement d'implication francophone d'Orléans, the implementation of francophone school governance, the francophone theatre centre La Nouvelle Scène, and the grassroots campaign to save Montfort Hospital. She was a friend, a confidante, an ally and an exceptional Franco-Ontarian. She leaves behind a lasting legacy that ensures our francophone community will continue to shine. May Rolande watch over us all, especially her children Luc, Anne-Chantal, and Alain, as well as her entire family and all her loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, give me a break. I want to be clear. Canada's commitment to empowering women and girls, achieving gender equality, condemning all forms of discrimination and eliminating gender-based violence is unwavering and will never change. As the minister pointed out in her speech to the United Nations, Canada's foreign policy will be guided by three principles: defence and security, economic sovereignty and our values. Speaking of values, feminism is a core value of our government and an important part of our foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, I am really trying to be clear. I want to be clear. Canada has an unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls, achieving gender equality, condemning all forms of discrimination and eliminating gender-based violence. That will never change. The minister emphasized that point at the United Nations, and I mentioned it earlier: Canada's foreign policy will be guided by three principles, including values. Speaking of values, as I said, feminism is a fundamental value of this foreign policy.

Mr. Speaker, since October was World Menopause Month, I would like to draw attention to this important issue that affects the health, well-being and financial security of millions of women across the country. The conversation about menopause gained real momentum last month. Menopause is a natural life phase that affects the body, the mind and our emotional well-being, yet many women still go through it without realizing their symptoms are linked to it. According to the Menopause Foundation of Canada, unmanaged symptoms carry an estimated annual cost of $3.5 billion to the Canadian economy. With women aged 45 to 55 now the fastest-growing segment of the Canadian workforce, supporting them is not just the right thing to do; it strengthens families, workspaces, communities and our economy. Let us keep up the momentum from October. Let us break the silence so that menopause is no longer minimized or misunderstood, but instead addressed with the education, support and respect women deserve.

Mr. Speaker, Canada remains committed to the Paris Agreement and the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Domestically, the Canadian economy has grown while becoming significantly less carbon-intensive thanks to cleaner energy, better technologies and innovation. Our climate competitiveness strategy builds on this progress and positions Canadian businesses to play a leading role in the global transition to net-zero emissions. We are moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, as we did this week, Canada continues to play a constructive and collaborative role. The Canadian delegation attended COP30 with its international counterparts, indigenous communities, other levels of government, civil society, labour groups and other stakeholders to ensure that we move forward from commitment to implementation. We are therefore going to continue advancing toward our Paris Agreement targets and continue building a low-carbon future that is resilient to climate change.

Mr. Speaker, we are investing in major projects. We are also making many investments in budget 2025, including a 15% clean electricity investment tax credit available to Crown corporations like Hydro-Québec, as well as $17.2 billion over 10 years for housing- and health-related infrastructure, such as hospitals, universities and CEGEPs. We will continue to build strong communities by investing $51 billion over 10 years in projects like the Espace Hubert-Reeves in Charlevoix, the shipyard—

Mr. Speaker, Canada condemns the civil war and violence currently ravaging Sudan. It needs to stop. We are horrified by the recent attacks in El Fasher and condemn the alleged massacre of more than 2,000 civilians. We urge all parties to respect international law, protect civilians and immediately allow humanitarian aid to have unimpeded access. Canada will continue to support the Sudanese people, as it has done since the beginning of the conflict.

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking the member for Vancouver East for introducing Bill C‑233, an act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act, as part of Private Members' Business. I have heard many comments about this bill from people in my riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester. It is clear that Canadians are deeply concerned about our country's role in global security and the responsible export of military equipment. The debate surrounding this bill touches on core Canadian values: our commitment to democracy, human rights, responsible trade and our contribution to making the world a safer place. These are not abstract ideals, but the very foundations of our foreign policy. No one here disagrees with this bill in principle. Canada must maintain strong export controls to prevent the misuse of weapons. However, Bill C-233 rests upon a false premise. Canada has one of the world's strongest export control regimes in the world and has updated it over the years accordingly. That is why Canada joined the Arms Trade Treaty in 2019 and updated our laws to ensure full compliance through Bill C-47, a bill that many members, including the member for Vancouver East, should remember well. Canada's export control system aims to limit the illicit arms trade by preventing weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, criminals or groups that foment conflict, and to reduce human suffering around the world. Oversight is essential, but it must be balanced and practical. While Bill C‑233 means well, its overly broad scope would create obstacles for Canadian businesses, slow trade and limit Canada's ability to respond effectively to global challenges. When we debated Bill C‑47, we discussed many of the measures in the bill before us today that concern exemptions. What was true then remains true today in terms of the need to include these measures in our system. In short, the proposals in Bill C‑233 would disrupt a balance that we are able to achieve through existing legislation, regulations and policies. Let me explain further. The world is changing. Conflicts are evolving and new threats are emerging. Canada must stay agile and ready to respond. Canada's export control regime was built to keep pace with this changing world. Our risk-managed framework provides the tools needed to act swiftly, doing so, for example, by adding items to the export control list to prevent sensitive technologies from being misused. Decisions on export permits are taken carefully after a rigorous process that involves a range of experts from across government. This includes evaluating permit applications against the criteria drawn from the Arms Trade Treaty and embedded in Canadian law through the Export and Import Permits Act. Our system is flexible, but that flexibility does not mean that we are cutting corners. We have a carefully designed risk management framework that balances our national security, international obligations and defence partnerships with the commercial ties that support economic growth in Canada. Our process is designed to take into account intelligence, diplomatic information and human rights considerations. We work closely with Canada's missions abroad, our allies and partners, to make informed decisions that reflect the realities on the ground. As parliamentarians and Canadians are aware, Canada has suspended or revoked permits when credible evidence of misuse has emerged. Any violations of the Export and Import Permits Act are taken extremely seriously. Those who are found to have breached the law face consequences, including fines, seizures and criminal prosecutions. That is how we help to protect lives and uphold our values. We will always work to do so. Bill C-233 would hinder our ability to continue with this risk-based approach in three significant ways. First, Bill C-233 seeks to create a statutory definition of arms that could potentially include items that are not weapons at all, such as navigation systems, software and even basic mechanical parts. The bill's proposed definition could have Canada needlessly regulating thousands of products, from nuts and bolts to steel and aluminum. This would put Canada out of step with allies, whose focus is rightly on high-risk technologies and high-risk destinations. Further, this would overwhelm our export control system, require staggering increases in government resources, slow legitimate trade and hurt Canada's reputation and Canadian businesses, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers, which rely on predictable rules. Second, this bill seeks to prescribe how export applications are assessed by adding new mandatory requirements for governments to certify the end use of items purchased by private companies in their countries. Not only does this go well beyond what is required by the Arms Trade Treaty, but it would be virtually impossible to implement. Most countries simply do not issue official end-use certificates to private entities. Canada would have neither the authority nor the influence to enforce this provision, and imposing it would only block legitimate exports, including potentially those destined for our allies in Ukraine. What is more, Canada already conducts thorough end-use and destination risk assessments. End use is verified using a variety of reliable methods. These may include end-use certificates issued by a government when it imports items itself, or other assurances provided by reputable private parties for private exports. Canada assesses destination countries based on factors such as the strength of their export control systems and the risk of diversion, consistent with how our allies operate. The proposed addition to our assessment criteria would not make the world a safer place. Rather, it would hurt Canadian businesses and their customers, including the Canadian Armed Forces and our NATO allies at a time when we need them most, and undermine Canada's role as a trusted partner. Third, Bill C-233 would impose costs and burdens on ordinary Canadians. Like many of our allies, Canada uses expedited licensing in specific circumstances for lower-risk military and dual-use items to countries with similarly robust approaches to export controls. This is a standard international practice that enables defence trade to move quickly and securely without compromising oversight and the agility it requires in a rapidly divided world, at a time when we are trying to increase our defence capacity, not decrease it. This bill would disrupt the balance we have worked so hard to achieve. It proposes restrictions that would increase costs for both the government and Canadian businesses, without improving the quality of decisions. This bill would end the current system that allows most military goods and technology to be exported to the United States without the need for individual permits, which would harm an important trade and defence relationship. In fact, this bill goes beyond what it claims to do in this area. It would cancel all existing export permits, including long-standing general export and brokering permits. This means that Canadian companies, many of which have already undergone rigorous review, would be forced to start from scratch and re-apply for permits, affecting hard-working Canadian companies that already have very limited resources. As a result, I wish to inform the House that we are unable to support this bill as it stands, but I think it is important to thank the member for Vancouver East for bringing it before the House.

Mr. Speaker, ensuring the vitality of francophone minority communities remains a priority for our government, and francophone immigration is an essential part of achieving this goal. As we celebrate National Francophone Immigration Week, it is important to remember the progress that has been made and the next steps to be taken. Thanks to the 2026-28 immigration levels plan announced in the 2025 budget, we are aiming for a steady increase in francophone admissions outside Quebec: 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, and 10.5% in 2028. Since 2022, we have consistently exceeded our admission targets and are on track to reach a new historic high of 8.5%. I would also like to highlight the francophone community immigration pilot, which helps skilled workers settle in rural francophone regions. As Canada stabilizes its immigration levels, our government is choosing to protect and strengthen francophone immigration.

Mr. Speaker, the people of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester have started a petition. I am pleased to present a petition signed by 1,765 Canadians regarding the eligibility rules for the GST new housing rebate for first-time homebuyers. The petitioners note that the rebate is based on the purchase agreement date rather than the closing date, which unfairly excludes many first-time homebuyers of preconstruction homes, who will pay GST upon closing. They are calling on the Minister of Finance and National Revenue to base eligibility on the closing or possession date to ensure fairness and consistency for all first-time homebuyers.

Mr. Speaker, I am very honoured to rise to pay tribute to the late Hon. Bernard Grandmaître, the guardian of the French language and the father of Ontario's French Language Services Act. This great Franco-Ontarian recently passed away at the age of 92. Born in Vanier, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to serving in public office, first as mayor and then as a provincial MPP. His greatest legacy is Bill 8, which was passed in 1986 and which gives Franco-Ontarians the right to receive government services in their own language. It is thanks to him that institutions like the Montfort Hospital were able to survive and grow. He was a pillar of quiet strength, a builder, a man of conviction. His love for the French-speaking community was evident in his actions, and he inspired generations of leaders. His unwavering commitment to Ontario's francophonie continues to inspire us and guide our actions. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the entire francophone community. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to a remarkable Canadian who once worked right here in the House of Commons as a stenographer. As he listened to debates in the House, Alphonse Desjardins grew aware of the problem of access to credit and the devastating impact of usurious loans. He undertook a vast study on the co-operative model. Over the course of his research and discussions with numerous European co-operatives, he adapted this model to the context of the day and opened the first credit union in Lévis. Over the past 125 years, Desjardins Group has evolved into the largest financial co-operative in North America, and we owe it a huge debt of gratitude. I would like to thank Alphonse and Dorimène Desjardins, who left us an essential institution. Desjardins is known across North America for financial solidarity, high capitalization and an unwavering commitment to its 7.8 million members and customers across the country. I also want to give a nod to Denis Dubois, the new president and CEO of Desjardins Group, and wish Desjardins another 125 years of building for the future.

Madam Speaker, I would first like to thank the member for Jonquière for introducing Bill C‑228, which is a private member's bill. I am grateful for his work on this important and timely issue. The debate on this bill touches on fundamental principles of our democracy and our constitutional framework. In a global context marked by geopolitical uncertainty, it is essential to ensure that Canada's treaty-making system reflects today's reality. First, I rise today to reaffirm the integrity, transparency, and accountability that are already built into Canada's treaty-making process. This includes the essential step of tabling treaties in Parliament. This step is a more recent addition to our tradition, but it has been respected and supported by Canadian governments of all political stripes since the January 2008 announcement of the policy on tabling treaties in Parliament. Since the introduction of the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament in 2008, successive governments have maintained a strong commitment to transparency by regularly tabling treaty texts before the House. These documents, along with negotiating positions and impact assessments, are made available to parliamentary committees, allowing Parliament to exercise oversight. Our government will always take a strong stand for transparency in Canada's international agreements and partnerships. As we endeavour to diversify our relationships abroad, we agree that there can be no compromise on transparency to Parliament. We agree that as we focus on diversifying our relationships and treaty relations abroad, there must be no sacrifice on openness with Parliament. As members of the House know, the authority to enter into international treaties on behalf of Canada belongs to the elected government. Like many of our allies who also follow the Westminster model, our government has a mandate to negotiate, sign and ratify treaties on behalf of Canada for all Canadians. It is important to recognize that the constitutional authority to enter into treaties rests with the elected government of the day, consistent with the Westminster parliamentary tradition. As with many of our allies who share this system, the executive branch is tasked with negotiating, signing and ratifying treaties on behalf of all Canadians. At the same time, parliamentary control and transparency are central to our democratic governance. The current policy framework offers a number of opportunities for parliamentary participation by the provinces, territories, indigenous groups and relevant stakeholders, from preliminary consultations during treaty planning and negotiations, right up to tabling of the treaties prior to their ratification. For nearly 20 years, since 2008, successive governments have tabled treaties in Parliament in accordance with the requirements of the policy on tabling treaties in Parliament. This process is not a mere formality; it embodies the philosophy that underpins our system of government. As we begin the debate on Canada's current treaty-making process, it is important that we all understand what exactly our current policy is and what level of openness, input and transparency it affords to Parliament. First, a government's accountability in the treaty process begins well before signing or ratifying a treaty. It begins with the planning stage. As the policy states, when a negotiating mandate is developed, public servants must demonstrate that they have conducted a comprehensive consultation process. This process involves not only federal departments, but also, depending on the subject of the treaty, the provinces and territories, indigenous peoples, as well as civil society in the form of non-governmental organizations, academia and industry. Second, these consultations continue throughout the negotiation phase. Stakeholders are consulted, including provincial and territorial governments where certain provisions of the treaty fall within their constitutional jurisdiction. In the case of multilateral negotiations, representatives of these groups are often part of Canadian delegations. Third, for agreements of major economic importance, including trade agreements, additional transparency measures were put in place in 2020. These additional measures require that the government table in Parliament a notice of intent to negotiate at least 90 days before the discussions begin and that negotiation objectives be tabled 30 days before. Fourth, the requirement to table the text of international treaties in Parliament before taking any action intended to bind Canada is an essential component of our commitment to accountability. During these treaty-tabling periods, opposition parties have the option to seek a vote and pursue a debate in the House regarding the treaty in question. Fifth, where the fulfillment of the obligations in a treaty requires amendments to federal legislation, a bill to implement those obligations is presented to this House and follows the standard procedures for the adoption of law. This again provides significant opportunities for review, examination, debate and approval by parliamentarians. Finally, the commitment to public transparency is also reflected in the publication and registration of treaties. Once in force, they become publicly available, they are registered with the United Nations and they are kept in the public domain, ensuring their visibility both in Canada and internationally. For treaties with significant economic implications, such as free trade agreements, the government introduced enhanced transparency measures in 2020. These include the requirement to table a notice of intent to negotiate and the negotiation objectives in this House before talks begin. Furthermore, Parliament's approval is required before implementation legislation can be enacted, ensuring legislative scrutiny before these treaties take full effect domestically. In summation, the current parliamentary review process for treaties has seen over 450 treaties brought before this House since 2008, providing members with opportunities for examination, debate and, if desired, votes. When treaties require amendments to federal laws, such changes must pass through the normal legislative process, offering further opportunities for parliamentary review. It is true that Bill C‑228 seeks to strengthen parliamentary participation by requiring prior approval of treaties. That is an honourable goal shared by every member of the House. However, we should be cautious about any changes to our ratification process, particularly when they may introduce delays and uncertainties that could hinder Canada's ability to negotiate effectively and respond swiftly to evolving global circumstances. This year alone, nearly 20 treaties have been tabled in Parliament. Under the process outlined in this bill, each of these treaties would have had to spend months in committee and months more awaiting the drafting of a government report, meaning several years' delay in the implementation of international agreements that have earned our country a global reputation as a reliable partner. This balance between executive flexibility and parliamentary oversight is complex. Other Westminster democracies, such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, offer useful examples. In the U.K., treaties are laid before Parliament prior to ratification under the Ponsonby rule, allowing scrutiny while preserving executive discretion. Australia and New Zealand follow similar practices, where parliamentary review occurs after negotiations. In short, when one considers the extensive transparency measures that have been in place for over two decades, the notion that treaty-making in Canada lacks transparency is not borne out. In conclusion, I have outlined key steps in Canada's treaty process, a process that ensures that each negotiated agreement is guided by the principles of democracy, transparency and respect for the constitutional framework. This system is robust, it provides for appropriate consultation and it allows for parliamentary participation through the tabling period. I understand and share the concerns raised by my Bloc Québécois colleague. We are operating in a complex global environment, and Canada's international relations decisions carry more weight than ever. I thank my colleague for his thoughtful contributions and for highlighting the vital role Parliament plays in shaping our foreign policy, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration. As we continue to consider Bill C‑228, it is critical that we reflect not only on the transparency and oversight mechanisms already in place in Canada, but also on the constitutional principles that define the roles of the executive and Parliament in the treaty process. I look forward to the rest of this debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Thérèse Frère, a proud Franco-Ontarian from Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester who passed away recently at the age of 98. Her courage and resourcefulness were put to the test when her husband passed away suddenly, leaving her to support six young children under the age of 13 alone. This strong and resilient woman worked in education before moving to the field of visual arts in 1974, where pastels were her medium of choice. She studied at the Ottawa School of Art and the Banff School of Fine Arts and captured the landscapes of Quebec, Europe, the United States and especially Newfoundland and Labrador, a place that she dearly loved. She donated 150 works to Patro d'Ottawa to support young people and another 83 to Fogo Island. Thérèse was also well liked and well respected for her dedication to Franco-Ontarian heritage and culture. She received many awards and distinctions. Most notably, she was appointed a knight of the Ordre de la Pléiade. On behalf of the community, I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister is focused on protecting Canadian jobs, workers and businesses. We have stabilized supply chains through initiatives like our strategic response fund. We have provided direct support to affected industries like steel, aluminum, manufacturing, auto and agriculture. We are doing this all while maintaining Canada's enviable fiscal position and AAA rating. We are Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I want to dig in a little more on prevention. My colleague mentioned how important prevention is, and how it has to be part of this bill and other bills the government brings forth. I have been meeting with many national organizations representing women in different spaces, and they are also advocating not only for prevention but also support. I would like to hear my hon. colleague on those two points.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and consistent with the policy on the tabling of treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled “Agreement on the Establishment of the International Vaccine Institute”, done at New York on October 28, 1996, as amended as of November 16, 2022; “Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Poland for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy”, done at Warsaw on January 28, 2025; and “Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Japan on the Security of Information”, done at Tokyo on July 8, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, Glory to my fair flag,the flag of Ontario's francophonesI raise my flag high So all can seeThat I am Franco-Ontarian! Today we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, a powerful symbol of our identity, our pride, and our contribution to Ontario's rich culture. As a proud Franco-Ontarian, I wish to pay tribute to all the communities and francophiles who contribute to enriching our culture and showcasing our identity. To put the focus where it belongs We need to stand up and celebrate Our Place Today and tomorrow. Long live the Franco-Ontarian community, long live the francophonie, and happy Franco-Ontarian Day.

Mr. Speaker, each year, during the third week in September, we celebrate National Payroll Week, which is a moment to recognize the professionals who ensure Canadian workers are paid accurately and on time. The pay cycle is more than just an administrative process; it is a cornerstone of employee well-being. It guarantees accuracy, transparency and trust, enabling workers to meet their daily needs, plan for the future and build their financial security. I thank all designated payroll professionals for their integrity and the essential work they do to keep Canada paid and to strengthen financial confidence. I would also like to thank the volunteers at the National Payroll Institute, who support these efforts through their activities and services. Finally, I want to recognize the leadership of Brian Burgess, chair of the board, and Peter Tzanetakis, president and CEO of the National Payroll Institute, who are both here today. Their guidance supports employee well-being and organizational success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ken Dryden, whose passing is a profound loss for Canada. I had the privilege of working with Ken and witnessed first-hand his thoughtfulness, intellect and dedication. He was deeply committed to improving sport culture and advancing efforts to better protect athletes from concussions. While many will remember him as a Hall of Fame goaltender and six-time Stanley Cup champion with the Montreal Canadiens, he was so much more. He was a scholar, an author, a parliamentarian and a leader whose influence extended far beyond the ice. Ken's life left an indelible mark both in sport and in public life. His vision, generosity and commitment to excellence continue to inspire Canadians across generations. On behalf of this House, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.