Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, we have said it time and time again: Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. Our government is cracking down on repeat violent offenders with new legislation to strengthen bail, sentencing and court efficiency. We are working closely with provinces and territories to reform bail and sentencing and address delays, giving police and prosecutors stronger tools to keep violen…
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Mr. Speaker, we have said it time and time again: The Minister of Justice will be introducing bail reform legislation this fall. We hope that if the Conservatives are really serious about doing the work, they will support this new legislation. Let me remind the member opposite that the reality is this: In former Bill C-75, we strengthened Canada's response by defining “intimate partner violence” i…
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Mr. Speaker, the appointment of superior court judges is the government's responsibility, and Quebec is already involved in the process. We are holding discussions in good faith, but we are not obligated to reach an agreement. Minister Fraser is in contact with his Quebec counterpart—
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Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives stand here and lecture us about criminal justice, but Canadians remember their record. Time and time again, they imposed unconstitutional mandatory minimums, piled on cruel punishments and tied the hands of judges, only to have the Supreme Court strike down each decision. Now they claim that we are not acting on bail reform. It is a bit rich. The truth is, since we m…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, in response to my colleague's question, I would invite her to read Bill C-75 at length. She would realize that the reality is this: Because of Canada's response by defining “intimate partner violence” in the Criminal Code and creating a reverse onus for repeat intimate partner violence offenders, judges must now consider prior intimate partner convictions. Penalties are higher for rep…
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Mr. Speaker, I will simply say to my colleague that, over the summer, the minister and I toured the province of Quebec. The minister also went to other provinces. We held consultations with partners, law enforcement, Crown prosecutors and victims to learn more about the challenges that the new bill will need to bring forward and address, so that Canadians feel safe after this new bill is passed.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Trois-Rivières. I am pleased to speak today on issues that continue to impact the safety of our communities and the fairness of our criminal justice system, namely the operation and reform of Canada's bail system. In recent months, communities across the country have voiced deep concerns about the ability of the criminal justice system to …
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Mr. Speaker, does my colleague believe that bail reform legislation is needed?
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities. Our government is cracking down on repeat violent offenders, with new legislation that will be forthcoming to strengthen bail, sentencing and court deficiencies. We are working closely with provinces and territories to reform bail and sentencing and address delays, giving police and prosecutors stronger tools to keep violent offende…
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, the reality is that, in former Bill C-75, we strengthened Canada's response to intimate partner violence by defining the term “intimate partner” in the Criminal Code and creating a reverse onus for repeat offenders of intimate partner violence. Canadians deserve a debate based on facts. If the Conservatives want to repeal a bill that makes it harder for perpetrators of intimate partne…
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Mr. Speaker, before the hon. member asks about repealing Bill C-75, I strongly suggest that she take the time to read the whole thing first. She does not seem to understand that this bill actually makes it harder for people charged with intimate partner violence to get bail. We are prepared to work in good faith with members of all parties to strengthen the bail system.
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Mr. Speaker, we travelled around this summer meeting with Crown prosecutors and police associations to discuss the right way to implement bail reform. We do not wish to pass any old law and have it be challenged before the Supreme Court and possibly struck down. On this side of the House, we take the time we need to do things right.
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Mr. Speaker, before the hon. member poses a question about repealing Bill C-75, I would suggest it would be a good idea for him to read it in its entirety. He does not seem to understand that the bill actually makes it harder for people who are charged with intimate partner violence to receive bail. Now, we are willing to work in good faith with members of any party to strengthen the bail system, …
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Mr. Speaker, as mentioned earlier, Canadians deserve a debate on the facts. If the Conservatives want to repeal a bill that made it harder for IPV offenders to get bail, then they should do so directly and face the backlash from Canadians with regard to that issue.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Justice is in contact with his Quebec counterpart. Judicial independence remains a cornerstone of our democracy. We cannot comment on the case of Justice Leckey.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, of course, once this bill is being studied at committee, our colleagues will have the opportunity to discuss it and hear from experts on these topics. We believe that this bill will be well received. I hope the Bloc Québécois will support it so that we can pass and implement this bill.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Nunavut. Today, I am pleased to speak to Bill C-9, which proposes reforms to the Criminal Code to better protect access to religious and cultural sites and combat the rise of hate in Canada at a critical time. In 2014, the police recorded 1,295 hate crimes. By 2024, that number had risen sharply to 4,882. Hate crimes motivated by race or…
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, I do not have the Criminal Code with me, but I would tell my colleague opposite that the intent of this law is to regulate and legislate people who have the wilful intent to obstruct and intimidate people who want access to places of worship, religion, community centres and schools.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, as mentioned in my speech, we have seen a rise in hate crime in the last few years, and it is time that this question be addressed and that we adopt this law to be able to protect Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This is a platform promise that we made and that this government engaged itself in, and we intend for this legislation to see the light of day.
Read full speech →Government Orders
Madam Speaker, the Criminal Code currently contains four hate propaganda offences in sections 318 to 319. The bill proposes to create a new, fifth, hate propaganda offence that would make it a crime to wilfully promote hatred against any identifiable group by publicly displaying certain symbols, including symbols principally used by association with terrorist entities that are listed under the Cri…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say that I am a member from Quebec. The member opposite knows full well that our government is the party of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Again, our government protects the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and will always do so. The member opposite, all members and all the citizens who elected us in our respective ridings, all Canadians, men and w…
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Mr. Speaker, my colleague knows full well that the federal government's intervention before the Supreme Court will not prevent any province or territory from continuing to use the notwithstanding clause. That is very clear. She knows that. If there are any concerns, I will be happy to sit down with the member and organize a presentation with the Department of Justice and myself. Our intervention s…
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Mr. Speaker, we are working very hard to be able to introduce legislation shortly. In fact, the Minister of Justice has already committed to introducing a bill in the House this fall. We know that the safety of our communities does not depend on slogans. It is our responsibility. While we are focused on delivering real results, the Conservatives are focused on recycling slogans and fearmongering. …
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Mr. Speaker, we are working closely with the provinces and territories to reform our bail system, look at sentencing and address court delays. This will give police and prosecutors more effective tools to keep violent offenders off our streets, particularly in cases of violent or organized crime, breaking and entering, car theft and human trafficking. Canadians elected this new government to impro…
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Mr. Speaker, judicial appointments to the superior courts are a federal government responsibility. Quebec already participates in the appointment process. We are discussing this in good faith, with no obligation to reach an agreement. The Minister of Justice is in contact with his counterpart, and a meeting is scheduled for September. Judicial independence remains a cornerstone of our democracy.
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, after nearly 50 years of unwavering dedication, Mayor Michel Bissonnet has announced that he is retiring. From his first election as mayor in 1978, to his decades as an MNA and his return as mayor in 2008, Michel has been more than a leader. He is the heart and soul of our community. His tireless dedication, openness to everyone and deep love for Saint-Léonard has touched many lives. …
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, extortion is a serious and deeply harmful crime for which the Criminal Code already provides some of the strongest penalties in the world. That being said, we recognize the growing impact of extortion, including new and more sophisticated forms, and this is why this government is committed to doing more. On this side of the House, we know that tackling serious crimes requires more t…
Read full speech →Adjournment Proceedings
Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada is deeply concerned by the growing number of Canadians who fall victim to extortion each year. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so too have the tactics used by most who commit extortion. These extortionists are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. They threaten safety in our communities and, most disturbingly, often target th…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, with respect to the legal costs incurred by the Government for the cases Canadian Frontline Nurses and Kristen Nagle v. Attorney General of Canada, Canadian Civil Liberties Association v. Attorney General of Canada, Canadian Constitution Foundation v. Attorney General of Canada, and Jeremiah Jost, Edward Cornell, Vincent Gircys and Harold Ristau v. Governor in Council, His Majesty in …
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, as to parts (a), (b) and (e), criminal justice system delays have negative impacts on all persons affected by crime, including victims, families and the broader community in which the crime took place. Addressing delays requires concerted action by all levels of government. Since 2019, the federal government has introduced, and Parliament has enacted, the following legislative measure…
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Mr. Speaker, I feel for the member's opposite situation. There are mandatory minimums when it comes to certain offences committed with firearms relating to some crimes. There is a maximum amount for a sentence for repeat offenders: seven years. We take these issues very seriously, and we will be working towards reforms in the coming months.
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Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague, and Canadians deserve to feel safe in their own communities, which is why we have committed to cracking down on repeat, violent offenders even further, in our platform. We will strengthen the Criminal Code and move aggressively to protect victims by making bail laws stricter for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft and human trafficking. We …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, as an Italian Canadian and member of Parliament representing the riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, I am honoured to rise in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. It is held in June, and Canadians have the opportunity to celebrate the vibrant culture, customs and traditions, as well as the invaluable contributions of Italian communities across Canada. My Italian heritage has had a…
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Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, as part of the Canadian delegation for Vatican City, I had the honour and privilege to attend the induction of His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo into the College of Cardinals, presided by His Holiness Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Leo is the 18th Canadian to be inducted into the College of Cardinals. Among his many accomplishments and important positi…
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Mr. Speaker, on December 7, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, a landmark agreement that has shaped a global vision in aviation. This historic treaty laid the foundation for the development of a safe, efficient and interconnected air transport network, which has brought nations closer together in the spirit of co-operation and n…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to His Excellency Andrea Ferrari, whose distinguished tenure as ambassador of Italy to Canada is soon coming to a close. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ferrari for his invaluable contributions over the past several years. His unwavering support for the Italian Canadian community, of which I am a proud member, is rooted in deep appreciation of the ri…
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Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of attending the historic inauguration of Amazon Web Services' brand new Espace Voir Grand at the Centre Lasallien in Saint‑Michel. This educational space is the first AWS Think Big Space in Canada and the first one in the world to be designed for francophones. It will give students, teachers and members of our community unprecedented access to educational resources i…
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Mr. Speaker, Montreal's east end is brimming with opportunities. Last November, at the Sommet de l'Est, the minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced $30 million in funding for local businesses and organizations as part of the initiative to support economic development in Montréal's east end. Can the minister tell us how our government is supporting the east…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, next week, from October 7 to 11, Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week will be taking place. Malnutrition is a serious challenge that has deep and long-lasting developmental, economic, social and medical impacts on individuals and communities. From under-nourishment to poor diet, millions of children across the world suffer serious consequences each year. Here in Canada, our government…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending La Festa Degli Anziani with a group from the Giuseppe Garibaldi Seniors Club. This event, to mark National Seniors Day, which will be celebrated on October 1, was an opportunity to highlight and be grateful for the contributions of our seniors in our communities. Whether it was bringing the retirement age back down to 65 after the Co…
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Mr. Speaker, more than 9,000 citizens in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel are receiving dental care thanks to the Canadian dental care plan. This is a historic investment that benefits many Quebeckers, especially seniors, and guarantees access to the health care they need and deserve. Can the Minister of Public Services and Procurement explain how this plan helps Quebeckers get the care the…
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Mr. Speaker, thousands of seniors, including those in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, have already been to see their dentist to get dental care. This shows the importance of implementing the Canadian dental care plan. Unfortunately, the opposition continues to oppose this program day after day. Can the Minister of Public Services and Procurement give us an update on how successful this pr…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that over 62% of dental care providers in the province of Quebec are now registered to participate in the Canadian dental care plan. More than 200,000 seniors have already received care through this program, and with more than 694,000 Quebeckers registered and accepted, we can expect that number to keep going up. We can be very proud of supporting our seniors. Many o…
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, Italian Canadians' positive contributions to our country are apparent from coast to coast to coast, and more so in my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel. Whether in our small businesses or in multinationals that have set up shop here, Italian talent and know-how shine throughout our community and our country. As the daughter of Italian-Canadian parents, I am very proud to celebrate …
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Madam Speaker, the Conservatives continue to show their true colours. The Conservative leader said he would override the rights of Canadians by using the notwithstanding clause. On Tuesday, the member for Peace River—Westlock introduced a petition here in the House to restrict abortion access, and on the same day, every Conservative member voted against a bill that would provide contraceptives to …
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, my riding of Saint‑Léonard-Saint‑Michel is fortunate to be located on the island of Montreal, a city known worldwide for its spectacular festivals and vibrant cultural scene. Our government understands the value of arts and culture; therefore, it is committed to making the necessary investments to see them grow and flourish. Budget 2024 will provide $31 million in funding over two yea…
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Mr. Speaker, the federal government is committed to promoting Canadian values, such as inclusion, diversity and acceptance. As elected members of the House, we are all responsible for our conduct in this chamber and outside of it. Yesterday, our government called out the Conservative leader for his behaviour in the courting of a far-right, white nationalist extremist group. Instead of standing up …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, on March 8, I had the immense pleasure of meeting and celebrating women community leaders from my riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel. The women spoke of their personal stories, challenges and triumphs. They are successful women, not only in their respective lines of business, occupations or professions, but because each day they inspire and serve as role models for other women. I am…
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Madam Speaker, we know that families across Canada, including those in my riding of Saint‑Léonard—Saint‑Michel, are struggling with the cost of living. The Canada child benefit is a source of support for families in my community. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families and Children tell the House how this important benefit is helping all Canadian families?
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the chamber with respect to Bill C-352, which would amend the Competition Act. I think we all agree in the chamber that a stronger competition enforcement regime would be good for all Canadians. The bill proposed by the New Democratic Party, while receptive to the need for change in competition law, and generally aligned with the government's overall direction …
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