Parliamentary Speeches

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 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.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's news of the passing of Kirsty Duncan, the former member for Etobicoke North, reverberated throughout the offices and corridors of the Canadian Parliament. We are all grieving the loss of a thoughtful, vibrant, intelligent, strong and kind person who served Canadians with grace and kindness. Kirsty Duncan stood out in our small class of new Liberal MPs in 2008. While she was kind, we learned to never mistake her kindness for her strength, her feistiness and her principled nature. She brought academic rigour, curiosity and science to everything she did. She was a fierce defender of multiculturalism and a voice for those who face economic challenges. She called for respect, dignity and accountability for athletes and artists so they could work and play without fear or exploitation. She loved highland dancing and roared with laughter when she saw me trying to do it. She was, as always, encouraging, despite my limitations. To Sven, her husband and partner in life, our hearts are broken along with his, but our resolve to live each day a little more the way Kirsty lived her own is even stronger now. To young women who saw in her a model for sports, dance, academics, politics and public service, let us all commit to being just a little more noble and a little kinder. Godspeed to my friend Kirsty.

Madam Speaker, I want to begin by thanking my colleagues, particularly my colleague from Jonquière, who proposed this piece of legislation and exposed some of the issues that underlie it, which are very important in our world today. He has stressed the importance of international treaties, which are now as important as they have ever been. I want to reiterate the comments made by my colleagues and thank the member for Jonquière for raising the issues addressed in the bill. Our government is a strong advocate for integrity, transparency and accountability in the treaty-making process. However, I assert that the current processes that we use in the House, in our Parliament and in our governments strike a very good balance between, on the one hand, ensuring respect for all the principles we have in the House, including processes that allow the opposition to initiate debate on any given treaty, and on the other hand ensuring the continued functioning of Parliament and timely response to a changing world. Both items are imperative for a well-functioning Canada in a very turbulent world. The resumption of debate on this bill comes at a very critical time, after we have spent a great deal of time away from the House contemplating global events and our place in them and while we watch a world that changes every day. Last week in Davos the Prime Minister laid out the challenges we face. We are clear-eyed about the facts. The global order has been ruptured, and Canada's posture and assumptions must change with it. We are also clear-eyed about our priorities. We will remain grounded in Canadian principles and Canadian values while, at the same time, building issue-based coalitions that will drive our economic growth and create opportunities for Canadians. As Canada diversifies its global partnerships to protect jobs and stimulate economic growth, we cannot afford to have our efforts derailed. We are rapidly diversifying our activities abroad. In just six months, we have signed roughly 12 trade and security agreements on four continents, all of which have been or will be tabled in the House, along with any legislative measures required to ratify them. As our speed ramps up and as the world continues to change, we cannot afford to create new burdensome processes in Parliament that would simply result in gridlock that would derail the hard work that is going on to build these new partnerships for Canadians and Canadian businesses. To that end, I share the concerns already raised in the House by the members for Wellington—Halton Hills North and Hastings—Lennox and Addington—Tyendinaga about the impact this bill would have on the work of Parliament and the undue burden, without benefit, that a study for each treaty would create for committee work and for debate in the House. I would reiterate that it would be without significant value for Canadians. This would be burden without benefit. At the federal level, the imposition of an obligation to obtain the advice of Parliament for the ratification of all important treaties, as considered in this bill, would weaken the ability of any government to respond to time-sensitive international developments and opportunities and to ensure that we secure benefits from Canada's bilateral and multilateral international partners. Canadians want action as we face global challenges, and they want that action quickly. They want a responsive government, as has been demonstrated by the Prime Minister. The Bloc Québécois has purported that the bill is, above all, designed to ensure that Parliament has a say in the trade deals that the government is negotiating, but I would emphasize that all such agreements require implementing legislation and follow due process every time they are about to be ratified. Indeed, at this time, even as we speak, on the Order Paper we have two pieces of implementing legislation on trade deals: one with the U.K., a very important piece of legislation that would ensure Canadian businesses can engage with U.K. counterparts and that Canadian consumers would benefit from that trade; and another one with Indonesia, one of the key economic partners we have in the ASEAN world. It is an important economy that Canada and Canadian businesses need to have access to. As I said, those bills are right now before the House for members' consideration, for debate in this place and for Parliament to speak on. Most of the Bloc Québécois's public messaging on this bill has referred to a vote on all major treaties, but I would like to point out that there is no reference to a mandatory vote in the text of the bill. Nevertheless, under our current Standing Orders agreed to by this Parliament, there are two principal ways that a treaty could be voted on in the House. It is within the right of opposition parties to have an opposition day, and hence a motion, through which a treaty could be debated and discussed if it is important to that party. That would ensure that it comes before the House if it is something that the Bloc Québécois or the Conservative Party wants to debate. The second way is through a concurrence motion on a committee report. There are many committee reports that do not receive concurrence motions, but an opposition member, in particular, or a government member could decide to move concurrence in a report and have a debate in the House, which takes precedence to any other business of the House. Other members have already pointed out that the sheer number of treaties tabled in any given parliamentary session would paralyze Parliament and use up the limited number of opposition days. I will instead focus on two related issues: parliamentary autonomy and the current structure, timeline and mechanisms for votes on concurrence debates. The bill uses the phrase “within a reasonable timeline” when setting out procedure for committee reporting. The most obvious challenge with this clause is that it is not a defined period. The less obvious challenge is that it fails to recognize the prerogative of standing committees to set their own agendas. This is critical in work that comes before committees. This parliamentary autonomy is an important aspect of our democracy and of parliamentary privilege writ large to take all the necessary time to study the matters that are important to Canadians, with a view to improving the lives of Canadians. If we want to preserve this parliamentary autonomy, we also need to recognize that, under this legislation, a committee could choose to never study a treaty. This would have the practical effect of killing a treaty, since the bill would make it illegal to ratify a treaty before such a study has taken place. A similar issue arises with the concurrence motion process laid out in the bill even when the study does happen and a report is generated with recommendations and tabled in the House. As we know, concurrence motions cannot be moved until after the government has tabled its response to the report, 120 days on top of the time it takes to do the study itself. This is something that will simply paralyze Parliament. In closing, I want to say that we value the input of parliamentarians before treaties are made, while they are under discussion and as they approach ratification. We have processes in place to make sure that happens. We want to engage with everyone in the House on these treaties. This bill would not help. It is burden without benefit, and we want to ensure that everyone in the House votes against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today to rise to celebrate a great Canadian, a great leader and a good friend. For 10 years, Julia Hanigsberg has served as CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Don Valley West. Holland Bloorview has become an incredible centre of excellence, with a reputation in Canada and abroad. Holland Bloorview recently received the highest possible rating from Accreditation Canada, an exemplary standing that recognizes its commitment to excellence in all parts of health care delivery. This is just one of the marks of Julia's incredible leadership. She has combined her passion for helping children with disabilities, her work ethic and her magnetic personality to make Holland Bloorview a place of innovative treatments with the highest level of respect for children and their families, as it promotes social justice and inclusion for children and youth with disabilities. Holland Bloorview is a family. It continues to do great work. It will miss Julia. Her legacy will continue.

Madam Speaker, I am honoured today to speak to Canada's active efforts to advance human rights; combat corruption, including through the use of sanctions; and continue to explore the possibilities of the bill. Canada is committed to upholding the legacy left by Sergei Magnitsky in establishing a global framework to combat corruption and human rights violations. Whether by holding states accountable for violations, championing the rights of women and girls, indigenous peoples and vulnerable groups or by countering the threat of transnational repression, human rights remain at the core of our Canadian identity. These are values that are central to our foreign policy, as articulated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They are foundational and necessary for a secure society and to make a society prosperous. I want to begin by thanking the member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for presenting this private member's bill, Bill C-219. The bill underscores a common objective that we share in the House, which is to work together to promote and protect human rights internationally and to modernize how Canada enacts sanctions. I also want to acknowledge the work of the member for Northumberland—Clarke, who introduced a similar bill in the previous Parliament. Like its predecessor, Bill C‑219 highlights the important ways in which Canada protects international human rights. Bill C-219, at its core, seeks to amend four laws, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act; the Special Economic Measures Act, known as SEMA; the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, or the Magnitsky law; and the Broadcasting Act. Bill C-219 is very well intentioned and includes important measures to modernize our approach. However, some provisions, as currently drafted, could inadvertently undermine individual or public safety and hinder the effectiveness of sanctions. We believe that the foreign affairs committee is absolutely necessary and is the right place to delve into this piece of legislation to make sure that it mirrors Canadian values and the objectives that we all share in the House regarding human rights and the protection of individuals and society. I will summarize some of the key elements of the bill and identify areas where consideration in committee could add some important and significant value. While the government plays a central role in the protection of human rights, as governments around the world do, we are not alone in these efforts. Day after day, human rights defenders, activists, journalists, lawyers, community leaders and everyday citizens are the backbone of accountability and progress. Their insights, their lived experiences and their grassroots connections strengthen policy and democratic institutions around the world. Supporting them is not optional. It is an imperative. We need to especially stand by them when they are in peril. “Voices at Risk: Canada's Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders” reflects the government's commitment to supporting their essential and courageous work. Canadian officials abroad adapt these guidelines to the local context and specific needs of each individual and each case. They do so to provide the most effective support and defence possible, often in close collaboration with our partners. When a human rights defender who is at risk is a Canadian, regardless of whether they are a dual citizen, Canada considers this to be a consular case. These cases are monitored closely by Canadian officials providing consular assistance on a, usually, daily basis. This is part of the Vienna Convention. While the bill seeks to protect human rights defenders, we have concerns that some of the specific elements could put the safety and security of human rights defenders, including Canadian citizens, at risk. I know that the safety and security of these defenders are paramount to all of us in the House, and I look forward to exploring these issues in greater detail at committee. The government recognizes and values Parliament's role not only in studying sanctions but also furthering our sanctions regime, the tools to protect human rights and the tools to take on corruption and other crises. The passage of a Senate public bill, Bill S-226, in 2017, was one example of Parliament's working to improve our sanctions regime as a response to human rights violations and acts of significant corruption. Two reports, tabled in the Senate and in the House in 2023 and 2024, respectively, showed how significant our work in this House is to make sure that government is responsive to the desires, the will and the aspirations of Canadians. Sanctions are a key component in Canada's approach to protecting the rules-based order and in advancing human rights. Recently, we have seen the use of sanctions increase significantly as conflicts escalate in nature, such as in the case of Ukraine. Canada has sanctioned nearly 2,300 individuals and over 1,000 entities or vessels since 2022. It is an exponential increase in the number of sanctions that we have been doing. However, at the same time, we want to constantly re-examine our sanctions regime to make sure it is fit for purpose. Our government remains firmly committed to ensuring that Canada plays a leading role in preserving and strengthening a rules-based international order. Sanctions are a critical tool for advancing this approach. However, as I said, we need to update the sanctions tool box. I am very pleased that the member has added the concept of transnational repression, and I reflect on the fact that the Bloc Québécois has also seen this as an important new trigger for sanctions. We respectfully accept this and think it is an important addition. However, we think the bill can be strengthened by adding some other triggers, such as migrant smuggling, foreign interference, cyber- and hybrid attacks, organized crime, undermining democracy and arbitrary detention. These are things that should also trigger the use of sanctions, as well as transnational repression. I want to underscore that in all of this, we need to be evidence-based and thoughtful as we push on the sanctions to make them effective. We do not want to add cost to the system. We want to ensure that we find an effective way that is both profound and important, to ensure that the Canadian taxpayer is able to stand up and say, “These are dollars that are being well spent.” Therefore, I challenge the committee as well to look at the bill from that lens to ensure that we have an effective use of Canadian dollars as we promote human rights and as we defend our world against corruption. Transparency, accountability, parliamentary engagement, inter-agency co-operation and information are all things that could add costs but that could also be very effective and could be part of a tool box that would both be effective and save taxpayer money. One section of the bill that, very frankly, I am less familiar with, because it is not in my wheelhouse, is the Broadcasting Act section. However, I understand, as we all do, that media is critical and important in the promotion of human rights. The broadcasting-related provision of Bill C-219 seeks to curtail the proliferation of broadcast content from licensed broadcasters found to be susceptible to influence from foreign actors, foreign persons or foreign entities, especially ones who have committed genocide or are under Canadian sanctions. This is something we all agree on. However, we want to test all the recommendations in the bill, which would become law, to ensure that they would actually accomplish this while preserving the freedom of the press. In conclusion, we are eager for further debate on Bill C-219. We are ready to take it to committee. We want to support the member in his aspirations to look at the bill, but we also challenge and commend the committee to do its due diligence on the bill, to find out the way a parliamentary committee can make it more effective, to make it better to defend human rights and better to fight corruption, and to make it effective and sustainable to attack not only today's issues, but tomorrow's issues. This would be a piece of legislation that will last, so we want to make sure it is fit for purpose not only for today, but also for tomorrow. Again, I want to thank the member for Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman for his ongoing co-operation and conversation about the bill. I look forward to getting it to committee and having all members of the House, through their committee, be sure to make it the most effective bill possible.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to both address the important question raised by the member for Saanich—Gulf Islands about Canada's long-standing commitment and leadership on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and also to thank her for continually raising what I believe personally, and I believe our government believes, to be a critically important issue for humanity. Canada's reputation as a champion for peacekeeping and human rights has already been well noted. It did not emerge by accident or nostalgia. It was built because Canada chose to lead, and we continue to choose to lead through diplomacy, through multilateral engagement in institutions and through the difficult technical and often incremental work that actually reduces nuclear risks. That work continues today. Our approach is anchored in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the NPT, which is the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. The NPT remains the most effective pathway towards verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament. It is based on three pillars or assumptions. First, non-nuclear weapon states commit not to acquire these weapons, so no new nuclear states. Second, nuclear weapon states commit to pursue good-faith negotiations on disarmament; they never stop talking. The third is that all parties commit to supporting peaceful uses of nuclear technology. We are a nuclear country. We have nuclear energy. We will continue to look at the importance of non-arm uses of nuclear power. Canada takes each of these pillars incredibly seriously. We are fully committed to the universal adoption and full implementation of the NPT. We continue to advocate for halting the spread of nuclear weapons, reducing existing stockpiles and ultimately eliminating them altogether. This work is not theoretical. It is practical. It is sustained. It is results-driven. Under Canada's G7 presidency this year, we convened the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group, driving forward nuclear transparency and risk reduction. At the recently concluded UN General Assembly First Committee, Canada urged member states to reject the notion that the geopolitical situation can ever justify slowing progress on nuclear disarmament. Canada has called for, instead, renewed urgency and tangible actions by all parties. As the Prime Minister has said, we are living in an increasingly dangerous world. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Iran's nuclear non-compliance and the looming expiration, in February 2026, of the new START arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia underscore the fragility of global norms, including the taboo against nuclear weapons use. Canada's response is twofold: We will increase defence spending to protect Canadians and our sovereignty, and we will double down on diplomacy to advance nuclear disarmament. For the last 30 years, we have been a leader at the UN on the fissile material cut-off treaty, which is a treaty that would ban the production of materials that are needed for nuclear weapons. These are foundational steps we will continue to take. We recognize the sincere intentions behind the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. However, Canada's view, as shared by our NATO allies, is that progress on nuclear disarmament must involve those who actually possess nuclear weapons; otherwise, it is talk. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. Our alliance is equally clear that the circumstances in which such weapons might ever be used are extremely remote. We will continue to stand with our partners around the world to reduce risk—

Mr. Speaker, this is where I get dangerous and ignore the remarks that have been given to me, and I simply thank the member. It is well noted that many of our allies and friends are observers. It is well noted that the conversation must continue. Canada will continue to be a leader. We put our hopes and our aspirations and our work in the NPT, but conversations with everyone engaged is absolutely critical. I am very glad that parliamentarians have been part of those conversations. I will take back the suggestion coming from the member. It is earnest. It is heartfelt. It is a smart idea that needs good consideration from our government.

Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by commending the member for Vancouver East for her ongoing and very steadfast commitment to strengthening oversight and to bringing peace in our world. She has attempted to do that in the bill, and I believe that all members of the House agree that Canada must maintain a strong export control system to prevent the misuse of weapons anywhere and everywhere. Right now, global security matters more than ever, and Canada must act with clarity and resolve. The decisions we make today in the House will shape not only our sovereignty but also the safety of Canadians and of our allies around the world. Accountability does matter, but Bill C-233 as it is drafted, while perhaps well-intentioned, would risk undermining Canada's security, international security, our defence industry and our international partnerships at a critical moment. Indeed, since the Second World War, Canada has strengthened our export controls for arms to the point where we are privileged to have one of the world's strongest, strictest and soundest regimes. For generations, countries have looked to Canada as a leader, as a peacekeeper and as one of the world's most steadfast promoters of the responsible use and sale of military equipment. Canada's voice matters. Canadians are wanted and needed to promote peace, to make peace and to keep peace. That is why a Liberal government under then foreign minister Lester Pearson ensured that Canada was there to found the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. It was a Liberal government that made sure Canada was a founding member of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies. That is why the Liberal government ensured that Canada was one of the founding members of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies. It was a Liberal government under then foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy that shepherded the Ottawa convention to ratification, banning the practice and use of landmines. A Liberal government then ratified the Arms Trade Treaty in 2019. Canada's efforts do not go unnoticed. When looking to refine their export control systems, other countries have looked to our own as one of the strongest and most effective examples. I know it has been many years, but I would remind the member for Vancouver East of the debate while she was an MP in 2018, respecting Bill C-47 during the 42nd Parliament. Canada had a strong debate about that and put in standards that not only meet the Arms Trade Treaty requirements but exceed them. We apply exemptions more narrowly than any other ATT signatory does. We control a wider range of items than the ATT requires. Not only do we place controls on conventional arms; we also control dual-use goods and nuclear, chemical, biological and missile technologies. We impose a stricter criterion for denials than those specified under the ATT, such as where there is a risk of contributing to gender-based violence, terrorism or organized crime, and we enforce those rules. We enforce controls on Canadians involved in the transfers of military goods, even if the goods never enter Canada. We have tabled annual reports to Parliament on the export of ATT items ever since the 1990s, long before the ATT's ratification. In deciding whether to issue or not issue an export permit, the current law dictates that it be taken into consideration whether the proposed export would contribute to peace and security, or undermine it, and whether it could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. We are very serious when we take these matters into consideration, and we are vigilant on the enforcement of the law; those who breach it are held accountable. Suggesting that Canada is not compliant with the ATT is not only misleading; Canadians also both need and deserve to hear the truth about it. We have a comprehensive legal framework, a legislative framework, that we in Parliament have contributed to and that now the Government of Canada enforces. Thus, we can see that Bill C-233, while based on good intentions about keeping people safe, is actually based on false premises. Canada has one of the strongest military export control systems in the world, and considerations for human rights are at its very core. Instead of strengthening Canada's ability to promote responsible use and sale of military goods, this well-intentioned but misguided piece of legislation has wide-reaching implications, and it would have unintended consequences. We are working to fulfill our NATO commitments. We want to bolster security and defence industries. We want to diversify trading partners, and this bill would put us out of step with our allies in licensing efficiency, transparency and the use of appropriate discretion. We are a NATO country. We need to be part of NATO, and the security of NATO is something that Canadians depend on. That does mean, for us in the House today, that we need to keep our NATO obligations and build upon them. This legislation would undermine that. The changes proposed in the bill would severely hinder our defence industry by creating further instability. It would weaken Canada's role in NATO by creating unnecessary delays and potentially blocking Canadian-made materials and equipment from getting to our allies to keep our world safe, allies like Ukraine, and it would jeopardize the capabilities of our Canadian Armed Forces by constraining the way they get the supply of critical equipment and impeding their operations in vital regions like the Arctic. Under Canada's existing export control framework, Canada allows certain military items to be exported without permits, provided they are destined for specific countries. This flexibility is embedded in the systems of our closest allies, such as the U.K., the EU and Australia. We also have deep and symbolic relationships with other partners, such as the United States, and it is a party for which the ATT also provides certain exemptions. Canada already applies this discretion more narrowly than any of the other nations granting permit-free access to only one country. Let me be perfectly clear. Any exemption that we provide the U.S. is not a loophole. It reflects a unique geopolitical relationship rooted in our shared security commitments, continental defence and decades of military integration. This legislation would undermine these efforts and make both of our countries less secure with greater threats to our sovereignty and our stability. The bill's stringent permitting requirements would not only strain our relations with the United States and our co-operation, but also disrupt relationships around the world. Mandatory delays in approvals would place Canadian suppliers at competitive disadvantages in Europe and Oceania, while restrictive end-user requirements could hinder Canada's ability to support partners like Ukraine in a critical time. Let me get to the heart of this. We are in a consequential moment for global security. We have had an election. Canadians have declared that our sovereignty and our security are paramount. We are serious. We call upon all parties in the House to take that consideration seriously to ensure that Canada can defend itself and can work with our NATO allies to defend ourselves in the world.

Madam Speaker, I want to reassure people that Canada is on the diplomatic stage every day, both diversifying trade and defending Canadian interests. We will continue to work every day to ensure that Canadian businesses, Canadian citizens and Canadian residents are well protected in everything we do. We will continue to negotiate every trade deal we can. The United States is our biggest trading partner, and we are ready to be at that table while we continue to diversify our trade around the world.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 34(1), I have the honour to present to the House, in both official languages, the following reports of the Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union with respect to its participation in the following events: the annual parliamentary hearing at the United Nations, “Putting an end to conflicts: Prescriptions for a peaceful future”, at the United Nations, New York, New York, United States of America, from February 8 to 9, 2024; the 148th IPU assembly and related meetings, Geneva, Switzerland, from March 23 to 27, 2024; the parliamentary forum at the UN high-level political forum on sustainable development, New York, New York, United States of America, on July 16, 2024; the 10th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, Yerevan, Armenia, from September 12 to 14, 2024; the 149th IPU assembly and related meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 13 to 17, 2024; the expert consultation on “Parliamentary engagement in digital policy”, Geneva, Switzerland, on October 18, 2024; the second meeting of the preparatory committee of the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Geneva, Switzerland, on October 18, 2024; the annual parliamentary hearing at the United Nations on “Scaling up action for the Sustainable Development Goals: Finance, Institutions, and Politics”, New York, New York, United States of America, from February 13 to 14, 2025; the parliamentary meeting on the occasion of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, New York, New York, United States of America, on March 11, 2025; the first Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians, Mexico City, Mexico, from March 14 to 16, 2025; and finally, the 150th IPU assembly and related meetings, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from April 5 to 9, 2025. It is a very busy association.

Mr. Speaker, I respect the question. However, at this point, I will simply say that there is no military solution to the conflict at hand. There is only a political solution, and in the vein of Lester Pearson, this side of the House will continue to work for peaceful solutions to ensure that Israel and Palestinians have safe and secure borders for each of them so they will live in peace together. That is what this side of the House will work on.

Mr. Speaker, let me also state that Canada supports Israel and its right to defend its people every day. Let me also be clear that Hamas is a terrorist group. It must release hostages immediately who have been held cruelly for two years. It must disarm, and it will play no role in the future governance of a Palestinian state. We will continue to defend the state of Israel and we will continue to defend the people of Palestine to ensure we have two states with equal justice and equal rights to prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers. With respect to part (a) of the question, on May 25, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and the Indian external affairs minister held a productive discussion on strengthening Canada-India ties, deepening economic co-operation and advancing shared priorities. With respect to part (b), diplomatic channels have remained open, and conversations have continued between Government of Canada and Government of India officials throughout the recent challenging period in bilateral relations. Following the call between the foreign ministers, the Prime Minister of Canada spoke with the Prime Minister of India on June 6, 2025. The two leaders discussed the long-standing Canada-India relationship, emphasizing strong people-to-people ties and substantial commercial links. They agreed that the bilateral relationship must be founded upon mutual respect, the rule of law and a commitment to the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also agreed to continue law enforcement dialogue and discussions to address shared security concerns. The Prime Minister of Canada extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Both leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting later that month at the summit.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's question is important on two fronts. It is important to remember, always, that Israel has the right to defend itself. Israel has the right to continue to make sure that it is safe and secure. At the same time, the government is committed to taking action against the scourge that is anti-Semitism every day in our world. We will continue to stand up and defend Jews in this community to make sure they are safe.

Mr. Speaker, the member has raised several issues at the same time. Let me just say the G7 is a huge opportunity for Canada to exercise leadership on the world stage. Our sovereignty, our security and prosperity are tied to global security. At the same time, Canada is a country of the rule of law. We have cases before the RCMP. We will continue to have those investigations. We will continue to ensure that Canadians are safe at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying Israel has the right, absolutely, to defend itself within the bounds of international law. At the very same time, we have a responsibility to de-escalate this situation. Our minister has been very clear that this escalation will not help. We have several priorities. We want to ensure hostages are released. We want to ensure humanitarian aid is delivered. We want an immediate ceasefire. Canada will exercise every diplomatic tool we have to ensure that peace, in our ability, is brought to the fore.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate you on your appointment as Deputy Speaker. I have great confidence in you in the chair; the chair becomes you. I am really looking forward to it. The support will not be unconditional, but I offer my sincere best wishes. I also want to begin by thanking the electors of Don Valley West for their support in sending me back for the fifth time to this place. They sent me back with a really good mandate, and it is one that I take on not only with humility but also with empowerment. With the platform our party presented, confidence was expressed in our new Prime Minister, and the thought that Canada's sovereignty may be threatened, which needs strong leadership, is very real for the people in Don Valley West. I also want to thank the people who did not vote for me. I want to thank the people I met at many doors who have concerns about this country and who expressed those concerns. When we knock on thousands of doors, it is as important to listen to those who may challenge us as it is to listen to our supporters. I want to talk particularly about some young people who talked to me about affordability and housing costs and about how their lower incomes were not meeting the challenges they faced every day to pay their rent or get a mortgage. I listened particularly to young people in the Yonge and Eglinton area who are paying other people's mortgages and want a chance to own a home themselves. I have listened and our government has heard them, and I believe in the Speech from the Throne we heard Canada's most ambitious housing project ever. I will continue to work on that. I also want to talk about people who have been worried about crime. Particularly in the Don Mills area, I heard regularly that people are worried and that our government needs to take stronger steps to ensure their streets and homes are safe and that they are personally safe as well. Again, we have listened, and our government will continue to take strong steps against crime to make sure appropriate punishments happen while we continue to build a safer society all around us. I also want to talk to newcomers. Some newcomers in my riding are very concerned about the ongoing issue of professional accreditation, getting ahead without Canadian experience and making a living in their own communities. I have listened to this as well and will continue to work on that project. I also want to speak very specifically to the Jewish community and to Jews in my riding who have great concerns about the rise of anti-Semitism and about their personal safety as they gather or even as they walk down the street. I will continue to support zero tolerance for any anti-Semitic comments and slurs or any attacks on either the Jewish community or Jews themselves in my riding, across this country and around the world. I also want to talk about those who raised the issue of Gaza and Canada's support for the Palestinian people. I will continue to be a strong advocate for peace in the region and for the aspirations of the Palestinian people to eventually have their own state and to find a way to express their statehood in the world. Canada needs to help rebuild Gaza as we bring back a peaceful solution to an ongoing conflict. All of these concerns were echoed by fiscal Conservatives in my riding. They are worried about our overspending. They are worried about not investing enough. I believe that our new Prime Minister and this new government will be the biggest problem the Conservative Party has. We have listened to those words and have heard them. Our Prime Minister, through the Speech from the Throne, talked about spending less and investing more, and we will continue to do that so Canadians can regain confidence in our ability to manage their money, because it is not our money. Going to those doors has been extremely important to me. The people have given me a strong mandate, the largest mandate I have had in five elections, and I hope I will continue to earn the trust of those who did not vote for me. One part of the throne speech I want to draw attention to today in the House is on page 8, which says: ...the Government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and...the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. The reason I want to focus on that part of the Speech from the Throne, which the King so eloquently delivered in the Senate earlier this week, is that just before the election, in the early part of March, I was able to launch, on behalf of the government, Canada's new strategy related to Africa. It is called “Canada's Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security”. It was two years in the making, with over 160 consultations with groups, individuals, academics, business groups, Africans in their own continent and African Canadians here. Extensive conversation and extensive consultation have led to what I believe is a new approach to Canada's working for and working together with Africans: the whole continent, regional economic communities and individual governments. The strategy itself is based on “The Africa We Want”, which is Agenda 2063, the strategy of the African Union. It took years to develop Africa's strategy, and Canada has listened to it and taken it to heart to say that the primary concern we need to have in our relationship with Africa is a mutually beneficial partnership. We need to absolutely have a way to look eye to eye with African partners to recognize that the future of Canada rests in a strong social, economic, cultural, trade relationship with the African continent. Canada has an aging population. Africa has the youngest population in the world. Africa has tremendous opportunities for Canadian markets. We need to find a way to continue to invest in Africa to develop the middle class, to take the burden of having one principal trading partner, which may not be reliable for us, away and to allow ourselves to have trading relationships around the world. We can easily go to Europe. We can easily go to the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. We can go to Latin America and the American states. We also need to go to Africa. We need to listen, and this strategy has five principal points. It is about people-to-people ties. It will absolutely engage with the African diaspora in Canada as our cultural, linguistic, trade and economic partners to help us interpret Africa and understand it better. We will begin with a formalized mechanism to do that in our government to ensure that African Canadian voices are heard in every decision we make. Those people-to-people ties will continue to be important as we expand our diplomatic footprint in Africa to ensure that Canadian businesses have vehicles and mechanisms to get into and understand African markets, which are there for them to engage with. We will continue to work with academics, trading groups, unions, schools and universities to ensure that we have partnerships that will continue to not only benefit Africa, but benefit Canada. Canada's future is tied to a successful Africa, so we will be involved in peacekeeping and reconciliation of past difficulties. We are going to engage with Africa in such a way that it will say Canada is its preferred economic partner, its preferred trading partner and its preferred partner in agri-food businesses, energy, transportation and small manufacturing. That way, we can help build the African economy, not as a charitable exercise, but as an exercise that will benefit Canadians. Young Canadians are looking for opportunities. Those opportunities may be found in engaging in business with African countries. We will continue to work with them to ensure that their voices are heard on the international stage. African voices should never be silenced. They should be encouraged. Canada is in every club that is important: the G7, which is meeting very shortly; the G20; the United Nations; the Organization of American States; La Francophonie; and the Commonwealth. These are groups of countries that Canada needs to help welcome the African Union and African countries into so that they become our strategic partners, our key allies and those with whom Canada can engage with every day, always faithfully, to ensure that our future and their future are tied together.

Mr. Speaker, what I heard overwhelmingly at the door was that the taxpayer needs to know that his or her money is being well used. Taxpayers do not want more spending; they want more investing. They want to invest in projects that are of a national character, that will build the identity and character of this country. They want us to continue the social safety net to make sure all of these programs continue, like the Canada child benefit and the dental benefit. To do that, we need a strong economy. We need to invest in the energy sector. We need to continue to invest in artificial intelligence. We need to invest in small manufacturing in Ontario. We need to continue to invest in all these ways, in infrastructure and housing, to make sure that we build our country. We will never apologize for spending money when it leads to good investment.

Mr. Speaker, I think we need to look at all of Canada's realities. We need to learn from Quebec when it comes to things like that. I hope my words about Africa are not lost. Once again, people of the House will dismiss our need to recognize Africa. Half my speech was spent talking about Africa, yet neither of the opposition parties actually wants to engage in this discussion. It is to our benefit that we all engage on it, quit the petty politics of the place and actually talk about some real topics, such as engaging with African countries and with the African diaspora in this country for the betterment of Canadians, so we can pay for the social programs that Quebeckers want us to engage with.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member on her recent election. I know that she brings an engineering background to the position. She brings an expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence that I think we desperately need in the House of Commons. It is the kind of capacity, the kind of intelligence and the kind of creativity that we will need. Canada's economy is changing. Not only are we under siege from a threat from the Americans, the American government, at this particular time, but we also need to retool to address the issues of the 21st century. Those sorts of programs about innovation, creativity, increasing productivity, and using and capturing artificial intelligence are critically important for the success of every Canadian. I wish the member very well in the coming Parliament.

Mr. Chair, thank you for presiding with the expertise and sense of humour we have come to know. I think you have a promising career ahead of you. I want to start by congratulating each and every member on their election, especially if it is their first win. I remember when I was first elected. I walked into the chamber, which was then in Centre Block. It was in 2008. I am a minister of the United Church of Canada, so neo-Gothic buildings, the stained glass and the ceremony were hardly new, but I was still overwhelmed to be in the Parliament of Canada with honourable colleagues, from all parties, doing our best to live up to the lofty expectations of those who sent us here. I still feel that sense of awe, but after 17 years, it has dimmed. It has become more difficult, and sometimes even painful, to be in here. Dignity has diminished, and decorum has declined. Respect for one another and this institution is woefully lacking. Canadians have noticed. This was confirmed for me at the many doors I knocked on recently. I suspect that everyone in this room has had that experience in the same way. Canadians are watching. That being said, knowing we have a colossal task ahead of us, it is with great humility and some trepidation that I have decided to put my name forward to become Speaker. My first Speaker was the Hon. Peter Milliken. I did not know he would be in the gallery today. For me, he embodied what it means to be a parliamentarian. I was in opposition, and in a moment of passion, I once went a little too far with a comment. Speaker Milliken rose. He then dropped his head, raised his eyebrow and asked me to withdraw the comment. I am a politician. I love debate. I love spice in the House, but I felt, at that moment, that I had disappointed the Speaker. I had disappointed him. I withdrew the remark, as I did not want to let down my colleagues in the House or the people who had sent me here to represent them. It was the raising of an eyebrow. I say this because the Speaker's authority, the ability to provide leadership, maintain order, protect members' rights and privileges, and have credibility inside and outside of the House, comes from members having trust and respect in not only the office of the Speaker but also the Speaker herself or himself. It takes more than just the appearance of impartiality. The Speaker must be truly impartial. They need to have served on both sides of the House and held several roles. They must be familiar with the kind of pressure that members face, regardless of their party or position. The authority of Speaker cannot be given to a person just because they understand parliamentary privilege. They must uphold that privilege every day. Authority is, of course, rooted in competence, credentials and character, but it is more than that. It comes from being calm in the midst of chaos and dispassionate in the heat of debate. It comes from humility, accountability and empathy. It comes from having a sense of humour that cuts through pretense and posturing, and calms the moment. A Speaker should not be elected just because they respect both official languages but because they live in both of those languages every day. My partner of 33 years is a proud Quebecker who was born and raised in Rimouski. Not only does he teach me French, but he also helps me understand what an asset the French fact in Canada is for all of us. As a parliamentarian, I hope to preside over Parliament with dignity, and I will say, zero tolerance for behaviour that diminishes any one of us with consistently applied consequences for unparliamentary behaviour, no matter where it comes from. As a former accountant, I hope to excel as a chief administrator of this place. As former parliamentary secretary to the the minister of foreign affairs, I hope to represent Parliament faithfully and carefully around the world and in Canada. I believe I can do all three of these key roles. In my role as another kind of minister, I led congregations across Canada, leading people in good times and bad, breaking down barriers that divided people and attempting to lead them in common purpose. People have often asked what the difference is between being an MP and clergy. I pray more now. However, I do not want to pray. I want to do something about it. I would like to be your Speaker. I would like to be the custodian of the chair that belongs you. Thank you in advance for your support.

Mr. Speaker, as we stand on the threshold of this holy season, I want to wish all those celebrating in Don Valley West and around the world a very happy Christmas. The promise of Christmas is that love can and will break through all of the cynicism, disappointment, pain and despair that continues to this day, long after Jesus walked the dusty roads of Palestine. Christmas did not happen just once. It happens every time someone lights a candle to make the way a little easier for another person. It happens every time someone welcomes a refugee or a broken person into their community. It happens every time we lift another person up, giving them more love, more hope and more success. Christmas is a hard time for many. This Christmas welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, give hope to the lost. Let us make Christmas happen again.

Mr. Speaker, it is rare for me to rise on a point of order in the House. However, as I try to keep my head down and attempt to focus on the issues being raised, I feel the need to draw your attention to the increase in name-calling during question period. Earlier today, the Leader of the Opposition referred to the member for Burnaby South by what I would consider to be an unparliamentary moniker: two words beginning with M that I will not repeat here. We are about to welcome athletes who have represented our country with excellence and with appropriate maturity and who are truly honourable. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you continue to be vigilant and ensure the decorum in the House is maintained, and that you ask members to apologize for using ridiculous monikers with hon. members.

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers. With regard to part (a), as of October 7, 2024, Global Affairs Canada is aware of 13 Canadians in custody in Hong Kong. This data was extracted from Global Affairs Canada's consular case management system and may be updated on a daily basis. As such, caution should be exercised when analyzing data in relation to previously disclosed data. These are cases of Canadians detained abroad with a specific detention status: "in detention" or "in a medical facility". It should be noted that Canadians may choose not to advise Global Affairs Canada of a situation of detention; moreover, in countries where dual citizenship is not recognized, dual Canadians who entered on non-Canadian documentation would not necessarily result in a detention notification from the host government. It is important, therefore, to underline that these numbers may not represent a complete picture when it comes to detention figures. With regard to part (b), the Government of Canada’s first priority is always the safety and security of its citizens. For this reason, in addition to privacy considerations, we will not comment on or release any information on specific cases. Doing so may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, I think everyone in the House realizes that the situation in Gaza is dire and that the situation faced by men, women and children in Gaza is horrendous. We will continue to seek every possible way to find peace with justice in this situation. However, rhetoric does not help. Symbols do not help. Hard work, diplomacy and engagement will be what Canada needs to do on this every day. We will continue to do our part to bring peace in the world.

Madam Speaker, as we near the end of Veterans' Week and approach Remembrance Day, I want to take this time to recognize the brave men and women across Canada, particularly in my riding of Don Valley West, who have fought for this country. Over the years, millions of Canadians have bravely fought in World War I and World War II, in the Korean War, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. More than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in international peacekeeping efforts in dozens of countries over the decades. The world is dangerous. There are growing international tensions, and we as Canadians owe our security both to our courageous veterans throughout history and to the over 63,000 active military personnel who currently dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. I encourage everyone to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony this Monday to thank veterans and to pay tribute to those who currently serve in our armed forces.

Madam Speaker, I hope I get equal time to answer that ridiculous question. In light of what has gone on this last week, Canadians are worried about our economy; we are worried about our relationship. There is no time like the present to have a strong presence in the United States of America. Our representatives will be working extremely hard to protect Canadians' interests and Canadians' jobs every day. It is the cost of doing business, and we will do it well. We will represent Canadians' interests in New York City, the largest city in the United States of America. We will be there to ensure that Canada's interests are protected.

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers. With regard to parts (a) and (b), the Canada fund for local initiatives, CFLI, is an international assistance contribution program under the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with an annual operating budget of $26.89 million. Each year, the CFLI supports over 800 small-scale, high-impact projects with an average budget of $32,000, implemented in over 120 official development assistance, ODA, eligible countries. The department undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The response would require the retrieval of information stored in various databases for over 820 contributions agreements. The department concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require an extensive collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted and could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information. CFLI contributions of a value above $10,000 are subject to proactive disclosure and are published on the Open Government site under proactive disclosure at the following link: https://open.canada.ca/en. CFLI initiatives align with the six action areas established under Canada’s feminist international assistance policy and seek to contribute to advancing democracy, protecting and promoting human rights, and ensuring security and stability. The CFLI is also geared to assist in the advocacy of Canada’s values and interests and the strengthening of Canada’s bilateral relations with foreign countries and their civil societies. CFLI funding can also be deployed for humanitarian assistance in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies. By funding and supporting projects developed by local organizations that may not otherwise qualify for funding from larger donors, the CFLI program fosters stronger and more resilient civil society sectors among ODA-eligible countries. The recipients of CFLI contributions are, with few exceptions, local civil society organizations, CSOs, active at the community and grassroots level. While the CFLI does on occasion partner with local government entities when deemed strategic to do so to meet Canadian objectives, it is rare. For example, the CFLI partnered with government entities in 1.25% of projects in programming in the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The selection of CFLI projects is performed on an annual basis by designated committees within 69 implementing missions and with initiatives being submitted through calls for proposals published on a dedicated website: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/cfli-fcil/index.aspx?lang=eng. Projects are selected based on criteria identified by the program’s terms and conditions, including the degree of alignment with Canada’s international assistance, as well as its foreign affairs priorities and interests. The financial authorities for the CFLI are held by the head of missions.

Mr. Speaker, foreign interference is a danger to our country, and we all have to do everything in our power to call it out and to address it. Our government has made it a top priority. Canadians are nervous. The RCMP has evidence that agents of the Government of India are involved in serious criminal activities that undermine our democracy. There are reports of a number of other countries intimidating citizens, interfering in elections and leadership campaigns. The leader of the official opposition needs to do his part. He needs to show that we are united in this fight. Every member of the House took an oath. Some of us have leadership responsibilities and take other measures, including getting the appropriate security clearances so that we can do our part in keeping Canada and Canadians safe. The leader of the official opposition cannot delay any longer. He has to apply for the top security clearance so that he can do his part and let Canadians stop wondering about what he may be hiding.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for her compassion and for her concern for people around the world. It is well noted and respected. My thoughts are indeed with children who have already endured so much in this particular situation. We are well aware of the reports, and we are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness and with the sense of urgency it absolutely deserves. Unfortunately I am not able to comment further due to privacy concerns, but we will continue to keep the House updated.