Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, small businesses in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and across Canada are being targeted by organized extortion. Businesses are receiving threats. Families are afraid, and communities are under real pressure from criminal groups that use fear and violence. This is happening in our neighbourhoods and on our streets, and it requires urgent action from Parliament. Our government h…
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Madam Speaker, I have publicly supported the MOU, and if the Leader of the Opposition had included the MOU in its complete form, I would have supported that as well. My colleague from British Columbia is right: The Leader of the Opposition either uses slogans or plays politics. If the member could explain a little more how he is playing politics with British Columbians, that would be great.
Read full speech →Oral Questions
Mr. Speaker, last week, the President of the Treasury Board held and co-hosted a summit on reduction of red tape, bringing together leaders from across the country. Could the president update the House on what came out of this summit and how this work will help cut red tape, speed up approvals and strengthen Canada's economy?
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Madam Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the first report of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament in relation to the motion adopted on Monday, November 24, 2025, regarding the quorum and mandate of the committee.
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, last week in Surrey, federal, provincial and local leaders, along with law enforcement agencies, came together for an anti-extortion summit to address the growing threat extortion crimes bring to our communities. Extortion, often tied to organized crime, puts families and small businesses at risk. Our government, led by our Prime Minister, is taking strong and coordinated action. We a…
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Mr. Speaker, the hon. member from Edmonton should know that when it comes to the reverse onus, this bill addresses that, and people who commit serious crimes will stay behind bars. Also, consecutive sentences will address the issues that are important in his riding. I have travelled to his riding. This is also happening in my riding and across Canada. The hon. member should not play politics and s…
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Mr. Speaker, I will give the hon. member two examples from British Columbia. One is the Kelowna example. It is very clear that the person was out on bail when he committed the offence of murder. The other example is an offender from Manitoba who was out on bail, went to White Rock and committed a murder there. These are the types of cases bringing people in my constituency to tell me that we have …
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his work when it comes to protecting people in Surrey, where we both come from. An issue particularly on the rise there is extortion. How would the bill help to make people feel safe in their communities from acts of extortion?
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Mr. Speaker, I knew the member when he was part of the provincial assembly in B.C., and he was sleeping all the time while crimes were being committed. Policing is a provincial responsibility, but he did nothing then, and he is doing nothing constructive right now, just making this a political circus.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for his support in caucus and for bringing issues forward. The major issue facing my constituents and British Columbians right now is extortion. It is the key concern in my riding and across Canada. This legislation would crack down on extortionists by making bail harder to get. Once someone commits the crime of extortion, they should stay behind bars. …
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Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Pickering—Brooklin. I rise today to speak in strong support of Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act, which is a landmark piece of legislation that responds to the urgent call for safer communities and a justice system that reflects the seriousness of violent and repeat offending. For too long, Canadians have been frustrated as ind…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
moved that Bill C-239, An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (accountability), be read the second time and referred to a committee. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the hon. member for Winnipeg North for seconding this bill and the many others who jointly seconded it. It is an honour to rise today to speak in support of my private member's bill, Bill C-239, an act to amend the Cana…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I was recently in Edmonton, in fact, in the hon. member's riding. People there were complaining about two major issues, or actually three. The first was health care, because they are not getting the health care they deserve. The second was extortion, and the third was immigration. I can tell everyone that if this hon. member is concerned about the accountability and transparency every…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier to the hon. members from the Bloc Québécois, the bill would not impose federal jurisdiction over the provinces. However, when I go to my constituency, or anywhere in British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada, people come to me and say they cannot find a family doctor and cannot get their elective surgeries in time; the wait times are way too long. People do not know wh…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I have been elected six times, and during every election I have been through, people have come to me and have not looked at whether a person is a provincial representative or a local one. All people care about is that the accountability for the care they need is open and transparent. As I said, the bill would not intervene in the jurisdiction of any province, including Alberta, but wh…
Read full speech →Statements by members
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to recognize the Nisa Foundation for its invaluable work supporting women and children in Surrey Newton and communities across Canada. Through its Nisa homes program, led by program director Syma Nehal, the organization provides safe, culturally responsive housing, counselling and wraparound supports to those fleeing violence, poverty or homelessness. The Nisa Foundation…
Read full speech →Private Members' Business
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the hon. member for the work he did as minister of immigration and minister responsible for international development. He touched on how the motion would create opportunities for Canadians. Can he expand on how Canada's international development work can create and strengthen economic opportunities for Canadians?
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, Canadians want safe neighbourhoods in which families and businesses can thrive. Last week, I was proud to join my B.C. colleagues in Surrey for an echo announcement highlighting our government’s new steps to combat crime. These measures include tougher bail conditions for repeat violent offenders, stronger penalties for organized retail theft and the addition of 1,000 new RCMP personn…
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Mr. Speaker, these consumption sites are working in my community of Surrey. I can tell the member that, since they came in, they have made a big difference in the lives of people. We will continue to support those—
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Mr. Speaker, last week, I, along with the parliamentary secretary, were able to announce 1,000 new police officers. Out of that, 150 police officers would be assigned to financial crime. That is a major issue that we are seeing in Surrey and other communities: cases of extortion and theft. These 150 new police officers would be able to deal with those issues effectively and make our communities sa…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-12, the strengthening Canada’s immigration system and borders act. This legislation would protect Canadians, secure our borders and uphold the integrity of our immigration system. I am proud to support this legislation, which would help keep Canadians safe. There is no greater priority for our government than keeping our communities safe and our econo…
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Mr. Speaker, I have worked with the hon. member for Saskatoon West on the immigration committee in the past. We both understand that we need immigration. At the same time, we have to curb these criminals and the people who are trying to come to our country illegally. That is why we are putting Bill C-12 together, giving our CBSA officers and RCMP officers more tools and resources to deal with the …
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Mr. Speaker, whether it is in Scarborough or in Surrey, people are concerned about security. Surrey is a border city when it comes to the U.S. border. This is exactly what they were asking for to strengthen our borders and make sure that CBSA officers have the tools and resources to deal with this, whether it is illegal firearms or drugs that are flowing into our country. They would be able to sea…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Hakam Singh Bhullar and his new book The Underdog. In 1995, Dr. Bhullar became the first Indo-Canadian veterinarian to open a low-cost clinic in Vancouver, making quality animal care affordable for all. He worked with animal welfare groups, helped train many immigrant veterinarians and built a model of inclusion, but his success faced barriers and discrim…
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Mr. Speaker, out of those recommendations from Justice Arbour's report, more than 20 have been implemented. Every recommendation will be implemented by the end of 2025, including this bill, which is the last one. As the hon. member said, let us get this bill passed and get it to committee so that we can focus on the other bills that Conservatives want to talk about.
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Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize that this bill is not only about legal frameworks but also about cultural change. Our government is committed to building a Canadian Armed Forces that is inclusive, respectful and professional. That is why we are implementing all 48 of Justice Arbour’s recommendations, of which about 20 are already completed, and the rest will be done by the end of 2025. The last r…
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Mr. Speaker, some of the past incidents that have happened are awful and unacceptable. This is why we brought this bill forward. The members on the other side must be aware that this bill was brought forward in the previous Parliament as well, and because of the filibuster the Conservatives did, we could not get it passed. I ask the Conservative member to support this bill, so we can have it in co…
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Mr. Speaker, we need to have a cultural change. I am reading the new defence policy, and on page 17, it clearly mentions all we have to do. This is the work that was complemented by the introduction of Bill C-66. That work can only be completed if we get this bill through. The sooner we get that done, the sooner we will be able to achieve what we all want to achieve, which is justice for the membe…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of Bill C-11. Those who serve our country deserve a Canadian Armed Forces that is safe, respectful and free from harassment, discrimination and misconduct. When harm does occur, they deserve a justice system that is clear and fair and that puts victims and survivors first. For far too long, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, especially women …
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Madam Speaker, on September 16, I got a note from Sarabjit Kaur of Abbotsford, because there were hateful comments made around the Nagar Kirtan they had in Abbotsford. She said, “What is the RCMP and other bodies doing about all these hateful things going on? I feel so unsafe about sending our kids out to school. Do you think schools like the Dasmesh School and Khalsa School should have more secur…
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, a vital piece of legislation that would strengthen the Criminal Code to protect Canadians from acts of hatred, intimidation and obstruction in their communities. The bill introduces amendments to address two urgent areas: first, the intimidation and obstruction of people accessing community spaces and, second, hate-motivated …
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Mr. Speaker, when it comes to Christians, I did mention places of worship, including churches. I will always keep on making sure that Christians are equally protected under Canadian law. When it comes to displaying any symbol of hate that is attacking any of those communities I mentioned, whether it is the Jewish, Christian, Sikh, Muslim or Hindu community, it will not be tolerated. This bill woul…
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Mr. Speaker, the member for Winnipeg North always has great interventions. I want to show the hon. member that the minister has clearly said that he is open to those changes. When it comes to committees, they have their own agendas, and if we get something there to be changed or modified, the minister is willing. I would love to see that happen as a constructive step moving forward.
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Mr. Speaker, when it comes to online cyberbullying, I have had a discussion with the minister responsible. He will be bringing a bill forward in the House of Commons that would address cyberbullying.
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-239, An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (accountability). Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to introduce my private member's bill, seconded by my esteemed colleague and dear friend, the hon. member for Winnipeg North, an act to amend the Canada Health Act, accountability. This bill would ensure that provinces receiving federal health transfers develop …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Mr. Mohammed Iqbal Cheema, a true pioneer of Pakistani and Muslim communities in B.C. Born in Faisalabad, Mr. Cheema arrived in Canada in 1972 with his young family and went on to build a legacy of service, generosity and community leadership. Over the past several decades, he welcomed newcomers at the airport, offered them shelter and worked tireles…
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Mr. Speaker, as it is my first intervention with you being in the chair, I want to congratulate you and also the constituents of Perth—Wellington for electing you. I am very happy to have you in the chair. I rise today to speak in support of Bill C-2, the strong borders act. This important bill would help keep Canadians safe by strengthening our borders, fighting organized crime and protecting the…
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Mr Speaker, if we listen to the experts, even organizations such as the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, they are telling us that they need these tools and resources to protect Canadians. There is nothing in this bill that would take rights or liberties away, but it would make sure that criminals are punished.
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Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the hon. member for Richmond East—Steveston for all the great work he does and the support he provides. We need to make sure that British Columbians are safe when it comes to fentanyl. This is why we are bringing in Bill C-2, so that we are able to stop the flow of fentanyl across the border, and bringing in searching the mail and other options in this bi…
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Mr. Speaker, I personally believe that the hon. member for Mirabel was talking about the Conservative government. When it was in power, it took 1,000 officers away from the job. In fact, it is the Liberal government that brought in 1,000 new law enforcement and CBSA officers to make sure our borders are protected with utmost urgency.
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Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Winnipeg North was talking about the number six; I am sure he was talking about Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre's record when he was a minister of housing and only six houses were built. In my constituency, even a small builder builds more than six houses a year. My question is for the hon. member. He talked about the $4-billion accelerator fund. Is it i…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Newton Tennis Club, a remarkable volunteer-driven organization in my riding. Founded in 2019, the organization has grown to nearly 150 members and has built state-of-the-art facilities through a partnership with the City of Surrey. The club runs a strong youth program and hosts the popular Surrey Open tournament. This past Sunday, I was proud to attend it…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to highlight the affordability measures our government is implementing to help Canadians save more of their hard-earned money. Starting on December 14, the new GST and HST tax break will allow Canadians to keep more money in their pockets during this holiday season. Additionally, we celebrated a significant milestone in affordability and health care this week,…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, 4,238 Canadians have signed this e-petition, and over 5,000 petitioners delivered a paper petition to me last Sunday. The petitioners say, whereas the Air India bombing of June 23, 1985, which left 331 people dead, was the worst tragedy in the history of aviation terror before 9/11; whereas the victims' families continue to wait for justice and closure; whereas Sikhs in Canada widely …
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, November 29 marked a significant milestone in Surrey's history as the Surrey Police Service officially took command from the RCMP. The transition reflects the community's evolving needs for public safety. I extend my congratulations to the Surrey Police Service as it assumes this critical responsibility. At the same time, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the RCMP for their de…
Read full speech →Routine Proceedings
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Sikh genocide. There have been consultations among the parties and I believe if you seek it, you will find unanimous consent for the following motion. I move that the House acknowledge and recognize that the crimes committed against Sikhs within India in and following 1984 constitute a genocide—
Read full speech →Statements By Members
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of concerned Pakistani-Canadian community members, including Dr. Babra Rana, Mr. Saif Pannu and Mr. Muhammad Akmal Gundhra, to address the alleged recent killings of unarmed protesters in Islamabad who were supporting Imran Khan. A symbol of justice and democracy, Imran Khan inspires millions who are striving for transparent governance. Despite political persecu…
Read full speech →Statements by Members
Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to welcome to Ottawa Mr. Jaspal Singh Manjhpur, a human rights defender from Punjab. A distinguished lawyer, Mr. Manjhpur has dedicated his career to defending religious minorities and others facing systemic discrimination. He has litigated landmark cases that now guide legal teams across the subcontinent in securing fundamental rights. As counsel for many political pris…
Read full speech →Emergency Debate
Mr. Speaker, before I begin my speech, I want to thank the hon. member for Vaughan—Woodbridge for sharing his time. With his background in economics and finance, he always does amazing work when it comes to issues like the one before us. I rise today to address a critical issue that may have a significant impact on our economy, our workers and our relationship with our largest trading partner. On …
Read full speech →Emergency Debate
Mr. Speaker, it is not just about Ontario and British Columbia, where I am from. It is from coast to coast to coast, all 10 provinces and three territories. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with workers and businesses in every Canadian province and territory to make sure we have a win-win situation. I would like to see the Bloc, the Conservatives, the NDP, the Greens and independents come togeth…
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