Sukhman Gill

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be back for the fall session representing the great community of Abbotsford—South Langley, but today I come with many concerns. I present eight petitions, including hundreds of signatures, on behalf of concerned Canadians regarding the rise in organized crime, extortion, shootings and violence in the Lower Mainland and across the nation. These petitions call on the Government of Canada to reinforce both public reporting and coordination between all levels of government so that Canadians can have the confidence that actions are being taken to combat violence and organized crime.

Mr. Speaker, a man who saw his neighbour in danger did what any good neighbour would do. He jumped in to help. In responding to the break and enter, he was shot in both legs. A few weeks ago, a community member brought this heartbreaking case to my office. According to the information shared with us, the accused is a repeat offender facing 32 alleged charges, many involving weapons and violence spanning over two decades. Now the victim and the family are the ones left to pay the price. The victim faces a long and painful recovery while still trying to provide for his family and four foster children. Families in our communities deserve to feel safe in their own homes. They deserve to know that repeat violent defenders will face serious consequences. That is why my Conservative colleagues and I are fighting to end Liberal bail, house arrest and catch-and-release policies and to keep Canadians safe, because no innocent family should ever have to pay for anyone committing those crimes.

Mr. Speaker, just this past weekend, Amanda, from Abbotsford, experienced what she describes as a reoccurring incident. A homeless man broke into her building and stole nearly a thousand dollars' worth of her personal belongings. After reporting the incident to authorities, she was told that the offender would likely be back out later that day. Amanda says that they have subsequently seen the same individual return and commit further offences. When will the Liberals stand up for law-abiding Canadians and repeal their reckless, soft-on-crime policies?

Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister, Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The economy has shrunk in two consecutive quarters. Per capita GDP is only up 1.5% over seven years, and labour productivity has declined for four years straight. Even the Parliamentary Budget Officer said there is a less than 1% chance that the government will meet its fiscal anchor. Will the Prime Minister tell us if we are in a recession, or are Canadians only technically doing worse after a decade of Liberal rule?

Mr. Speaker, the fact is that the Liberals caused these economic headwinds. The fact is that the Liberal Prime Minister is the only prime minister who is running this country, which is in a recession. Canadian banks are now warning of economic decline, with Scotiabank forecasting just 0.8% growth for Canada compared to 1.9% in the United States, while BMO projects even weaker growth, 0.5%, in 2026. It is not only that, but the Liberals are already borrowing billions of dollars over their projected costly budget. Will the Prime Minister finally admit that Canada is technically in a real recession?

Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 112th anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident. The Guru Nanak Jahaz is a monumental event for Sikh communities across our nation. ln 1914, 376 passengers, 340 Sikh, 24 Muslim and 12 Hindu, arrived in Vancouver with dreams for a better future. lnstead, they were unjustly denied entry and forced to return home after months in the harbour. We remember the hardships faced by those aboard the Guru Nanak Jahaz while also honouring the strength and resilience shown by Sikh Canadians and South Asian communities throughout generations. As a Sikh member of the Conservative caucus, it is an honour to rise in recognition of this anniversary and the lasting contributions Sikh Canadians have made to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, after 11 years of the Liberals' soft-on-crime policies, Canadians are seeing more crime and chaos on our streets. Since 2015, violent crimes have risen by 55% nationally, while extortion has surged by 330%. In Surrey alone, extortion is up 2,400%. Liberal catch-and-release policies like Bill C-5 and Bill C-75 have led to Canadians' being more vulnerable and less safe. When will the government repeal its failed soft-on-crime laws, restore mandatory minimums and make sure that criminals serve the time that they deserve?

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claims he will defend property rights, but his Liberal government's own website still shows that litigation directive number 14, which was announced as a directive back in 2019, still remains in effect today. The directive instructs federal lawyers not to defend private property rights in court. While the Prime Minister makes promises publicly, his government policies have not changed. Will he reverse his directive today so British Columbians can have certainty of home ownership?

Mr. Speaker, everything costs more. Families are deeper in debt and home ownership is slipping away from an entire generation. Canada now stands alone as the only shrinking economy in the entire G7. The Prime Minister's legacy is unfolding right before our eyes. Every country in the G7 faces the same global pressures, but the results are worlds apart and Canadians are left to pay that price. From farmers to tradespeople to seniors and young families, the people of Abbotsford—South Langley deserve a Prime Minister who will fight for them. They are tired of the excuses, the recycled speeches and the broken promises. They simply want results. Conservatives have been fighting to end the Liberal government's wasteful spending and restore the Canadian dream once again, where hard work leads to a great life. We will never back down from that promise. It is time for the Prime Minister to get his act together, work with us and bring results for Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise in the House. Today I am tabling a petition on behalf of residents of Abbotsford—South Langley who are deeply concerned with the proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy that would decimate regular recreational fishing opportunities for coho and chinook salmon in British Columbia. For generations, salmon has been managed as a common property resource held in trust by the government for the benefit of all Canadians. Altering this principle risks transforming a shared public resource into an exclusive privilege, which would limit access and erode public confidence in fishery management. The petitioners call on the Minister of Fisheries to maintain the current salmon allocation policy while continuing to respect and uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the residents of Abbotsford—South Langley who are concerned about the lack of adequate sports infrastructure to support local youth and athletes. The petitioners note that inefficient training facilities for the home Wolverines field hockey club are limiting athlete development, compromising safety and restricting opportunity for training and competition. They emphasize that access to proper facilities is essential to foster athletic growth, community engagement and safe participation in sports. Therefore, the petitioners are calling on the Government of Canada to provide funding and assistance through the federal sports infrastructure program and to work in partnership with the provincial and municipal governments to support construction of a new grass field hockey facility suitable for training, development and competitive play.

Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition, on behalf of the residents of Abbotsford—South Langley who are concerned about the future management of accessibility in our country's salmon resources. They note that for generations, salmon in Canada has been managed by the common property resource held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of all Canadians. The current salmon allocation policy supports conservation, transparency and fair access for indigenous, recreational and commercial harvesting. However, they warn that proposed changes in the policy could remove that foundational principle, undermining public access and stewardship, weakening salmon restoration efforts and risking the concentration of access in the hands of a few. They ask that the government revise the principal salmon allocation policy, ensuring that salmon remains publicly managed and conservation efforts stay transparent and effective, while access is also preserved for all Canadians.

Mr. Speaker, my question is very simple. The hon. member has been talking about his constituents and how they have been feeling the squeeze at the gas pumps. We see that the Liberals have adopted half of our plan. Could my colleague please elaborate on why they should have stolen the full idea of the Conservative plan that we were proposing, and not just half of it?

Mr. Speaker, the Cowichan ruling has raised very real concerns about the security of property rights in Canada. At a time of high costs and economic uncertainty, Canadians should not be questioning the ownership of their homes. The Liberals negotiated the Musqueam agreement in secret, with no transparency, leaving homeowners unable to sell and builders unwilling to invest, all during a housing crisis. Will the Liberals commit to protecting Canadian rights by ensuring no future agreements are signed without clearly stating that private properties come first and are protected?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a Conservative petition regarding the flawed amendments the Bloc and the Liberals are proposing to Bill C-9. If passed, it would put the religious freedoms of Canadians in jeopardy. My residents of Abbotsford—South Langley have voiced their concern regarding this development and how it may restrict their freedoms. As our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly states in sections 2(a) and 2(b), the freedoms of expression and religion must be preserved and are crucial to Canadian society. Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to protect religious freedom, uphold the right to read and share sacred texts and prevent government overreach into matters of faith.

Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition. I rise today on behalf of petitioners of Abbotsford—South Langley to highlight an important issue affecting the growth and safety of local athletes. The lack of adequate training facilities for the home Wolverines Field Hockey Club limits development, compromises safety and restricts competitive opportunities. Therefore, the petitioners call on the Government of Canada to provide funding assistance through the federal sport infrastructure grant or relief programs, and partner with provincial and municipal bodies to support the construction of a grass hockey field suitable for training, development and competitive play.

Mr. Speaker, April brings several holidays across Canada, each with its own traditions. For Christians, it is time to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it represents. For many Canadians, Easter is also a chance to spend time with family, enjoy the arrival of spring and, for kids, maybe a bit too much chocolate from the Easter bunny. For Jewish families, Passover is a time to come together in celebration of liberation and tradition. I wish all Jewish Canadians a kosher and joyous Passover. For Sikhs, Vaisakhi is a significant and sacred day. It represents renewal and the core values of equality and selflessness. I am truly looking forward to celebrating Vaisakhi at the Surrey parade and especially here at Parliament Hill. To everyone celebrating, from my family to theirs, Vaisakhi diyan lakh lakh vadhaiyan. Regardless of what people are celebrating, may April be full of family joy and moments worth remembering.

Mr. Speaker, Canada cannot control what happens abroad, but the Liberals do control the policies here at home that are making life more expensive. Under the Liberals, Canada tops the G7 in food inflation and is the only shrinking economy. The most vulnerable Canadians are the ones who are left to pay the price. One in five Canadians over 50 are now living in conditions comparable to the poverty line. After years of Liberal deficits and rising taxes, the seniors of Abbotsford—South Langley, the very people who helped build this country, are struggling to afford basic needs, yet the Prime Minister is pushing ahead with his rebranded carbon tax, the clean fuel standard, and his industrial carbon tax, passing higher prices on to those who produce our food and goods and ultimately to all Canadians. These costs are imposed here at home, not abroad. When will the Prime Minister take responsibility for the policies he controls and scrap the taxes making life more unaffordable for all Canadians, especially our seniors?

Mr. Speaker, I am presenting two petitions. First I rise in support of the Conservative petition regarding the flawed amendments the Bloc and Liberals are proposing to Bill C-9. If passed, they would put religious freedoms of Canadians in jeopardy. The residents of Abbotsford—South Langley have voiced their concerns regarding the development of how this may restrict their freedoms. Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms clearly states in sections 2(a) and 2(b) that freedom of expression and freedom of religion must be preserved and are crucial to Canadian society. Therefore, the petitioners call on the government to protect religious freedoms and uphold the right to read and share sacred texts.

Mr. Speaker, I have a second petition, which I am tabling on behalf of the good citizens of Abbotsford—South Langley who are deeply concerned about the proposed changes to the salmon allocation policy that would decimate regular recreational fishing opportunities for coho and chinook in British Columbia. Constituents are calling for the Minister of Fisheries to leave the current salmon allocation policy alone to uphold the cultural rights and traditions of all British Columbians.