Robert Oliphant

Mr. Speaker, I think we can all agree in the House that goods that are made with forced labour have absolutely no place in our supply chains. No one should be trapped in exploitation so others can benefit from lower costs. Canadians all want confidence that our economy is built on fairness and not built on human suffering. As we diversify trade and secure investment, Canada is firmly committed to ensuring our supply chains reflect the highest standards of integrity. Enforcing a prohibition on goods produced with forced labour is an inherently complex undertaking, one that our understanding of has been constantly evolving. Global supply chains span multiple jurisdictions, involve numerous suppliers and evolve quickly over time. As our understanding evolves, so too must our approach. Over the past several years, Canada has built one of the world's first frameworks to address forced labour. The import prohibition established in 2020 started an important foundation, while the supply chains act increased expectations regarding transparency and reporting. However, we have long recognized that there have been limitations to this approach. We know that we need to think bigger and do more. This is why we tabled new legislation in the spring and consulted over the summer on potential supply chain due diligence measures. Canadian businesses want more clarity, consistency and confidence, and this government is providing exactly that. Our new legislation will allow the government to publish a public list of goods, which will provide clear directions to CBSA and to businesses on where risk exists. Importers will be required to show detailed supply chain information to prove their products are free of forced labour before they can pass our borders. This will strengthen our ability to identify, intercept and prohibit goods linked to forced labour at the border. These measures give businesses clearer expectations, encourage due diligence before goods reach our border and help ensure that companies following the rules are not undercut by those who do not. Competitiveness and responsible business practices are not mutually exclusive goals. Canadians want our businesses to succeed. We want Canadian companies to grow, innovate, attract investment, and be competitive on the global stage. At the same time, Canadians expect our markets to operate according to clear, fair rules. By improving transparency and predictability and by strengthening Canada's approach to forced labour, we are creating an environment where responsible businesses can thrive. We are building a system that Canadians can trust, a system that can also serve as a model for other countries. Canada's economic interests are the interests of our workers, and workers must be central to this approach. As Canada diversifies its supply chains and expands trade relationships, we will continue to support businesses in meeting their obligations, while ensuring that those that violate laws are always held to account. Our trade must reflect our values. Our government will always work to ensure we can uphold labour rights, protect Canada's interests and make Canadian businesses more competitive and prepared in international markets. We will promote Canadian interests while upholding labour standards for all workers.

Madam Speaker, you and I have been in this place for a long time, and we know that while our government has been in place, we have acted with resolve and with intelligence on this issue, unlike the previous government, which was in place for 10 years before us and never lifted a finger to solve this issue. As such, we do not take lessons from Conservatives on this at all. I want to commend my former colleague, the Hon. John McKay, who persisted with this issue to the point where our government was able to act with effectiveness and with an assured nature to make sure that supply chains continue to be safer and safer. The work was not done, so we will continue to make sure that we have effective enforcement and a competitive Canadian economy. We will also ensure there is transparency in supply chains, and I use the verb “will”, which is absolutely chosen by me to assure all members of this House that we will get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, today, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day. As a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's gradually reduces a person's ability to think and communicate clearly, remember their loved ones and perform previously routine daily tasks. Everyone in this chamber knows someone who faces this reality. However, there is hope. Advances in Alzheimer's research, as promoted by the national strategy on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and as being undertaken in places like Sunnybrook Research Institute in my riding of Don Valley West, continue to improve the quality of life of those with the disease. The Alzheimer Society of Canada is central to these advances. Through advocacy and research initiatives, they are helping to realize a future without Alzheimer's. Next year is their 50th anniversary. I wish them well, congratulate them and celebrate their work and endeavours.

Mr. Speaker, June is ALS Awareness Month. As a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease, ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually reduces a person's ability to move, speak, eat and, eventually, breathe. Daily life changes within months of diagnosis, and life expectancy is dramatically reduced. However, there is hope. Researchers are making impressive advances in ALS treatment. Last year, scientists at Sunnybrook hospital's Hurvitz brain sciences program in Don Valley West achieved a world first by non-invasively delivering immunotherapy directly to the brain of an ALS patient. Home to Canada's largest ALS clinic, Sunnybrook is steadily improving care for patients with ALS. The ALS Society is central to this. To them, I say congratulations for nearly 50 years of advocacy representing Canadians with ALS. Lastly, to patients with ALS, like the late Mauril Bélanger and my friend Chris May, and to their families, their courage inspires us every day.

Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge in this House that war is always a tragic experience. We are obviously encouraged by the peace deal that has been negotiated by regional partners, including Pakistan, Qatar and others. We have been following this process closely. There will be more work that needs to be done. Canada will play a role to ensure that peace continues to evolve in the region. We are not taking this naively; we understand this is a difficult part of the world. We will keep sanctions on, and we will continue to evaluate the peace process to ensure that there is peace and stability throughout the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports: the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations: Parliaments and the United Nations: Better Together, Delivering for the People, at New York, New York, United States of America, from February 12 to 13, 2026; and the report of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union respecting its participation at the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, at Rome, Italy, from June 19 to 21, 2025. These reports have been tabled in an electronic format.

Mr. Speaker, Canada has some of the most vigorous and rigorous forced labour laws in the world, and it has been clear that we condemn forced labour everywhere and anywhere it exists. Every good that comes into this country is subject to rigorous import controls and screening. After a decade of neglect, we are rebuilding the CBSA to ensure we have enforcement. We will continue to do that work. We will protect Canada's interests this day and tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, June has arrived, and in a few weeks' time, it will bring the cheers of proud parents and the tossing of graduation caps as high school students across Don Valley West accept their diplomas and start the next chapter of their lives. It is a time of immense excitement, marking the culmination of years of hard work that now opens the door to a future filled with endless possibilities. I thank the many teachers and administrators in Don Valley West for their tireless dedication to nurturing the bright young minds of our community. To parents and guardians, I extend my warmest thoughts as they balance the many emotions that come with such a momentous occasion. Finally, to the graduates of Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Leaside High School, Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute and Northern Secondary School, as well as the many middle school students about to enter high school, I offer my best wishes and congratulations as they start their next adventure.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for her commitment to, tenacity with and passion for the issues that we both care about deeply. I also want to thank her for elaborating on the question because, on March 9, she never got to the question. She gave the Minister of Foreign Affairs lots of air time, but now I know what the question is. Without chiding too much, I am really glad to get to the question. Let me be clear that Canada has been consistent and clear in its position regarding Iran. We continue to call for an end to the hostilities. We call for all parties to uphold the April ceasefire agreement, exercise restraint and respect international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to avoid actions that can further destabilize the region. Canada continues to work with international partners to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and ensuring the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In parallel, Canada is working through the G7 to support coordinated engagement with gulf partners, which would restore that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Canada stands ready to support a Strait of Hormuz defence mission in only three potential areas, maritime logistics, demining support and satellite imagery, which would support efforts by the U.K. and France. We must maintain pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to address its destabilizing behaviour, including nuclear and ballistic missile programs, support for terrorism and human rights violations, through sanctions and UN engagement. We must be unequivocal on this. Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, and its support for terrorism through proxies and on its own must end. The U.S. and Iran must reach an agreement that ensures robust International Atomic Energy Agency verification of Iran's nuclear program that limits Iran's ballistic missile program and addresses Iran's support for those regional proxies. I also want to comment for a moment on the concurrent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. We are deeply concerned by its escalation and the risk of further regional instability. Real people are losing their homes and their livelihoods and are being put at risk. That is why we firmly support the Lebanese government's effort to restore, exercise full state authority, including through the disarmament of Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada, and to advance credible and durable peace. Our government will continue working with international partners to support an end to the conflict, the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Lebanon. We are clear-eyed about the challenges facing the region. It is a region that is in disruption. A lasting solution will never be achieved through military action by anyone. It will only be secured through diplomacy, dialogue, sustained negotiations, conversation and goodwill. We have to reach a new position of understanding. We remain guided by international law every day, and we stand ready to play our part. We will continue to prioritize and respond to the safety of Canadians in the region as well. We will work to support a return to stability in the whole of the Middle East. The hearts and minds of Canadians are with the people of Gaza, the people of the Palestine as a whole and the people of Lebanon, including the south and Beirut, as we are with the people of the gulf who are bombarded daily.

Mr. Speaker, I will close by reiterating Canada's position. We have indeed issued sanctions on two key ministers in the Netanyahu government, and we have issued sanctions on some settlers who have perpetrated violence in the West Bank. At the same time, we will call on all parties to stop hostilities and to uphold ceasefire agreements. A lasting peace in any region will only be achieved through diplomacy, dialogue and sustained negotiations. Canada is working closely with allies and partners in reducing tensions, trying to safeguard the free flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz and supporting the stability that underpins global economic security, while continuing humanitarian aid and the building up of democratic institutions and the people of the region.

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have condemned, in the strongest terms, mistreatment of any people who were on the flotilla. We have made our opinion extremely clear that it is unacceptable to treat people in that way. At the same time, we continue to work on delivering humanitarian aid and ensuring that we find solutions that are permanent for the people of Gaza and all Palestinians to live in peace and security, with Israel and Palestine living side by side.

Mr. Speaker, he was a passionate advocate for social justice, a wise and thoughtful theologian, and a compassionate and caring rabbi. However, for me, Arthur Bielfeld was mostly my dear friend of 40 years, my mentor and teacher as a colleague in ministry, my supporter, and an occasional thorn in my flesh as a member of Parliament. Arthur's life came to an end two weeks ago at a time and place of his choosing, but his legacy will continue for decades. Founder of the Leo Baeck Day School, Mazon Canada and Campaign Against Child Poverty, he served as rabbi and rabbi emeritus at Temple Emanu-El in North York for 58 years. He was awarded the Order of Canada for his extraordinary contributions to the Jewish community and decades of interfaith work on poverty, hunger and social inequality. I will always be inspired by his work; his wit, even his bad jokes; his moral courage; his intelligence and his integrity. I just wanted one more cup of coffee with him. Our country is richer for the life and work of Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld, but I hope heaven is ready for him.

Mr. Speaker, on April 2, Don Valley West mourned the loss of Safia Parveen, a formidable community leader and advocate for the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood in my riding. Recognizing the significant benefit that nature can have on our mental health, a decade ago Safia launched the Thorncliffe Wellness Café Group, connecting newcomers with each other and their natural environment. Having been a newcomer to Canada herself, Safia knew the toll that coming to a new country can take on even the healthiest person. Safia's commitment to improving the mental and emotional health of newcomer women was remarkable. With endless compassion, she guided countless women, helping them to stay healthy and contribute to our community. I was proud to honour Safia and other volunteers of the Thorncliffe Wellness Café Group at my annual New Year's levee this past January on their 10th anniversary To Allah she belongs and to Allah she returns.

Mr. Speaker, I think everyone in this House knows that our government is significantly engaging around the world to do three things. We want to open markets for Canadian goods and services while attracting investment. We want to create jobs for young people and all Canadians. We want to ensure that our economy is resilient. Just last week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was in Armenia representing Canada at the European Political Community Summit. This was the first time Canada has participated in this forum. We attracted investment. We will continue to create jobs. We will continue to build Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure today to welcome to Ottawa the world leaders of the Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, with officers of the Canadian headquarters, which is located in my riding of Don Valley West. Dedicated to selfless service and holding high the dignity of those in need, the Salvation Army has been helping Canadians for more than a century. Through food banks and thrift stores, shelters and housing, long-term and palliative care, youth programs, life skills training and emergency disaster response, the Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. The Salvation Army is an important partner for our federal government, helping people in need. I know every member of this House is grateful for its work in their communities. From humble beginnings in the United Kingdom to transforming lives in 134 countries, their faithful work continues to inspire.

Mr. Speaker, Don Valley West is home to the largest community of Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada. This vibrant community is made up of thousands of engaged, committed Canadians who make our city and our country richer in every sense of the word. Recently, I was honoured to join His Highness the Aga Khan and members of the community to celebrate the inauguration of Generations Toronto, a new not-for-profit intergenerational community in Don Valley West. Comprising 390 affordable rental homes, 122 long-term care residences, on-site health care, an early learning centre, space for prayer and community programming, this project represents the best of our efforts to build vibrant and affordable housing: a generational project for several generations to live together. This investment of $130 million through the apartment construction loan program is one example of our federal government providing affordable housing solutions for Canadians in need. We are building Canada strong.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition initiated by Mr. Drew Depratto, a resident of the Greater Toronto area, whom I congratulate for his advocacy. This petition is supported by 4,520 Canadians. The petitioners call on the government to reaffirm Canada's role as a safe place for LGBTQI individuals fleeing persecution, by creating dedicated and expedited immigration pathways for those people in our community facing systemic discrimination, loss of rights, or threats to their safety in their countries of residence. This petition reminds us of the work that remains to be done to ensure that people who are threatened simply for loving whom they love may reach safer shores.

Mr. Speaker, I would remind the House that Canada continues to have the strongest regime when it comes to arms export controls. We will continue to monitor every sale that leaves this country. We will continue to ensure that we have the best corporate social responsibility as we are engaged in peace activities around the world. We will continue to do that. We will never let our eye off that ball.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the parliamentary secretary for his thoughtful speech. This morning, I listened to the debate from the Conservative Party talking about somehow believing our government was not standing with victims of violence and crime. This bill stands with victims of violence and crime, particularly hate crime. How is it possible that Conservatives are not supporting this bill, which would stand with Jews who have been targeted for hate crimes, with Muslims who have been targeted for hate crimes, and with people like me, gay and lesbian people, who have been targeted with hate crimes? Is this not a victim-centred approach to actually address hate head-on?

Mr. Speaker, community organizations contribute to our lives in countless ways. At my annual New Year's levee, we celebrated 16 organizations in Don Valley West with anniversaries from five to 75 years in 2025 and 2026. Today, I want to lift up five that are celebrating this year. Flemingdon Community Support Services, which works with some of our community's most vulnerable people, and the York Mills Chinese Community, which ensures newcomers have a great start, both have 10 years of service. For 15 years, the Canadian Language Museum has promoted all languages used in Canada. The Leaside Garden Society has been beautifying our community for 40 years, and Glendon Campus of York University has offered 60 years of bilingual post-secondary education in Ontario. These organizations enhance our community and provide opportunities to meet, learn and grow. It was a pleasure to honour their contributions in our community, and it is a privilege to stand in this chamber and recognize their success.