Wade Chang

Mr. Speaker, this year, the Burnaby Hospice Society celebrates 40 years of caring for Burnaby. For me, this anniversary is deeply personal. My mom battled cervical cancer for three years. In the final months of her life, she received hospice care. It gave her comfort and peace. It also gave our family the strength to face the unimaginable. “Be a blessing to others” were my mom's final words before she passed away. They led me to a life of service and to the House. Having witnessed the impact of hospice care first-hand, I know that hospice workers and volunteers cannot change what lies ahead, but they can ensure that no one walks their final journey alone. I thank every staff member, volunteer, donor and supporter of the Burnaby Hospice Society. In the moments when a hand is held for the last time and a final goodbye is whispered, they are there. They remind us that the soul of a community is not how it celebrates life but how it cares for one another when life is drawing to a close.

Mr. Speaker, happy Pride. Today the Prime Minister and parliamentarians gathered on Parliament Hill to raise the Pride flag and mark the beginning of Pride season in Canada. Pride is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians cannot be taken for granted. At a time when hate is on the rise and when some voices in the House continue to question the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Canadians expect leadership to stand firmly on the side of equality, dignity and human rights. Can the Minister of Women and Gender Equality tell the House how our government will continue to protect the safety, dignity and full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians?

Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time. I am pleased to rise today to discuss how IRCC's main estimates will drive our economy. The budget, the spring economic update and now the main estimates are guiding our country forward during a very challenging period. The rupture in global order brings us to a moment when we need to build our strengths at home, diversify our markets abroad, and build or renew international partnerships with like-minded countries. Immigration is an important part of that plan. When it is thoughtfully managed, immigration strengthens our country, fills labour gaps, grows businesses and supports critical sectors like health care, construction and emerging technology. However, the immigration system needs to work smoothly. It needs to be aligned with both the needs of our employers and the capacities of our communities. It needs to provide fair opportunities for those who come to Canada and leave everything behind. The government has been working hard to improve the immigration system by restoring control, strengthening program integrity and returning immigration targets to sustainable levels. In the 2026-28 immigration levels plan, we set a clear commitment to make immigration levels sustainable. The plan stabilizes targets for permanent residents and reduces arrival targets for new temporary residents. We remain focused on attracting the best talent in the world to build our economy and address the labour shortage, while making sure that communities are growing responsibly. As a result, Canadians are seeing a system that is balanced and reliable. Our immigration plan prioritizes workers. In 2026, nearly two out of three PRs will fill essential positions across the country. We are inviting newcomers to fill jobs where there are skill gaps. We are attracting global talent to meet our country's unique emerging needs. We are prioritizing industries like artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health care and construction. Canada's international talent attraction strategy is a whole-of-government effort to bring in skilled newcomers our industries and communities need: the best and the brightest. As we begin to attract this talent, we must have a system in place that encourages them to stay and to settle long-term. This is why we are prioritizing skilled temporary workers who are already here for permanent residence. We recently announced more details about the one-time in-Canada workers initiative, which will accelerate the processing and approval of 33,000 temporary workers for permanent residence. They are already here, paying taxes and taking part in our communities. They deserve to feel like Canada is their home. Many of those workers are in smaller and rural communities that are facing persistent labour shortages, where local employers depend on them to stay in business. The main estimates will support a more efficient system for attracting and retaining newcomers. In 2026, our government announced new measures to make it easier for physicians working in Canada to apply for permanent residence. We are also making it easier for graduate and postdoctoral students to bring their expertise to Canada. The department's digital modernization effort will allow newcomers to understand their applications better and have access to support when needed. New digital tools will help train officers proactively to identify issues and verify information. These tools will also help them process applications faster. We need an immigration system that delivers results for newcomers and for all Canadians, and sometimes that means different results for different parts of our country. The system must be able to reflect what makes each of our regions unique and recognize that Burnaby's Metrotown and the east coast fisheries represent very different labour markets. We are partnering with provinces and territories and responding to their economic priorities through programs that respect regional diversity. This includes the provincial nominee program, the Atlantic immigration program, and pilot programs that support rural and francophone communities. In a time of global disruption, Canada continues to be a beacon of opportunity, where skilled people from different parts of the world can find their place in welcoming communities, find work in emerging fields and watch their families thrive. We are pulling together strategies and resources to attract the best and the brightest, grow our economy and support our communities. Our government is ensuring that immigration continues to serve Canadians, now and for future generations. Many people who came to Canada through the Hong Kong pathway are highly skilled, very well educated, hard-working and already contributing significantly to our economy. Many pay taxes, work in essential sectors and are building their lives here in Canada. At the same time, many families still face uncertainty because they do not yet have permanent status. Can the minister provide an update on the effort to improve processing times and reduce delays for those families as they continue to contribute to Canada?

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the honour of taking the floor at the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul. As an Asian, an immigrant and a proud gay member of the House, I stand here as proof that representation is about challenging barriers and changing systems. Let me be very clear: The most powerful force in system change is mindset. Policy reflects mindset, funding follows mindset and programs are built on mindset. If we do not change how we think, we will reproduce inequality more efficiently. If we want different outcomes, we must redesign the system with intention. That means new voices, inclusive leadership and courage over comfort. When we change who decides, we change whom the system serves, and that changes everything. I urge all members of the House to address barriers facing youth, women, persons with disabilities, immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and to act with urgency to remove those barriers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the upcoming 95th birthday of Johnny Virani, a respected elder in Burnaby Central and the uncle of former minister of justice Arif Virani. Born in Uganda, his life is a testament to resilience, service and the lasting contribution of seniors to our communities. His legacy shows that our country is strengthened by the wisdom and dedication of those who came before us. I also want to recognize a group of high school students visiting from British Columbia. Their presence in Ottawa demonstrates that our democracy thrives when young people engage, question and participate. At a time when anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, racism, discrimination and misogyny are rising in Canada, Canada will look to young people to raise their voice, lead with purpose and bring people together. It is in this partnership between generations, where the wisdom of our seniors meets the courage of our youth, that we find our strength. We will build the Canada of tomorrow, united, with every generation shaping and moving forward as one.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the motion before the House because the issue at the centre of this debate is not procedural tactics. It is the safety and dignity of Canadians. Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, was introduced by the Minister of Justice on September 19, 2025. It was then referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights shortly thereafter. Since that time, Parliament has debated the bill, the committee has studied it, witnesses have testified, and amendments have been proposed. The legislation has been examined in detail. In total, Parliament has now spent more than 30 hours debating and studying Bill C-9. This is serious scrutiny. This is how Parliament is supposed to work. However, scrutiny must eventually lead to a decision. This motion simply ensures that the House can complete its work and that Canadians will finally see Parliament vote on legislation designed to confront hate and intimidation in our communities. The core purpose of Bill C-9 is straightforward: to strengthen Canada's response to hate-motivated intimidation and violence. It would do this in three practical ways. First, it would create offences that prevent individuals from blocking or intimidating people who are trying to enter places like synagogues, mosques, churches, schools and community centres. Second, it would create a stand-alone hate-motivated offence so that when crimes are committed because of hatred toward somebody's identity, the law would recognize the harm clearly. Third, it would address the public display of hate symbols used to promote hatred and intimidate communities. These are not abstract problems. They are real experiences that communities across Canada have been facing. We have seen synagogues targeted, mosques threatened and cultural centres vandalized. We have seen people harassed simply for walking into places that represent their identity and community. We have seen something else as well. We have seen hate directed at 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians increase in recent years. As an openly gay member of Parliament, I know personally that hatred is not an abstract concept. It is not something that exists only in statistics or reports. It is something that people experience in their daily lives. It can appear in threats, as intimidation and sometimes in the form of people showing up outside places where communities gather to try to send a message that certain people do not belong. Canada is not that kind of country. Canada is a country where everyone should be able to live openly and safely. It should not matter whether somebody is Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu or atheist. It should not matter whether somebody is Black, indigenous, Asian or from any other background. It should not matter whether somebody is straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning. In Canada, every person deserves to live free from fear. This is what Bill C-9 is about. It is also important to understand how this bill came to be. In December 2024, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights released a report entitled “Heightened Antisemitism in Canada and How to Confront It”. The report contained a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening Canada's response to hate. Many of those recommendations were reflected directly in Bill C-9. In other words, this legislation is not a surprise. It is the result of a government that listens and actions. It reflects recommendations that were supported by members across party lines. Despite that foundation, the bill has been repeatedly delayed. Opposition parties play a crucial role in our democracy. Their job is to question legislation, to challenge it and to improve it. In many cases, this is exactly what happens in committee. The job of the opposition is not to stall legislation forever. The job of Parliament is to debate, scrutinize and then decide. Unfortunately, what we have seen in committee over the past several months has not always reflected that principle. The Conservatives have raised repeated points of order. They have challenged rulings of the chair. They have attempted to reopen settled motions. On one occasion, a Conservative member spoke for two hours about dogs and cats instead of allowing clause-by-clause consideration of the bill to begin. Canadians expect better than that. They expect Parliament to treat serious issues with seriousness, because while Parliament debates procedure, Canadians are facing real threats. Jewish Canadians have reported intimidation outside synagogues. Muslim Canadians have experienced harassment near mosques. Black Canadians have faced racism in public spaces. Asian Canadians have been targeted by hateful rhetoric. 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians have seen protests and intimidation directed at community spaces. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a troubling pattern. Communities across Canada have been clear about what they want Parliament to do. They want stronger protections and clear laws. They want Parliament to act. Bill C-9 is part of that response. Some of the debate around the bill has focused on the removal of the religious exemption provision in the Criminal Code. Let me be very clear about this. Freedom of religion in Canada is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that protection is not changing. Courts in Canada have consistently confirmed that hate propaganda offences require a very high legal threshold. Reading scripture does not meet that threshold. Teaching religious doctrine does not meet that threshold. Practising one's faith does not meet that threshold. In fact, the religious exemption provision itself has never been relied upon in a prosecution. Nevertheless, when concerns were raised by faith communities, the government listened. In response, a “for greater certainty” clause was introduced to confirm that peaceful religious expression, including sermons, teachings and discussions of scripture, is not captured by the legislation. This is how Parliament should work. Concerns were raised, clarifications were introduced, and collaboration took place. However, even after that effort, obstruction continued. The motion before us today is not about limiting debate. Debate has already happened, with more than 30 hours of debate and more than 30 witnesses heard at committee, for a bill that is only eight pages long. This is thorough scrutiny by any reasonable standard. The motion simply ensures that Parliament can complete the work and move forward to a vote. At some point, democracy requires decisions. Communities cannot wait forever while Parliament debates procedure. The question before us is very simple. Should Parliament be allowed to vote on legislation designed to protect Canadians from hate and intimidation? I believe the answer to the question should be yes. The Canada I believe in is a country where diversity is our strength and where people of every background can live openly and safely. It is a country where no one should feel afraid to walk into their schools, places of worship or community centres. It is a country where Parliament stands up clearly against hatred. This bill is a meaningful step forward. It sends a message that intimidation, harassment and hate-motivated violence have no place in Canada. After months of debate and delay, it is time for Parliament to do its job. It is time to move forward. It is time to vote.

Mr. Speaker, freedom of religion is fully protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that protection remains unchanged. When concerns were raised by faith communities, the government listened and introduced a “for greater certainty” clause to make it clear that peaceful religious expression, such as sermons, teachings and readings of scripture, is not captured by the legislation. Canadians should be able to practise their faith freely, and this bill respects that.

Mr. Speaker, communities across Canada have been very clear that hate-motivated intimidation is increasing and they want stronger protections. This legislation, Bill C-9, responds to real experiences, from intimidation outside places of worship to harassment targeting cultural and community spaces. Bill C-9 would strengthen the law in practical ways so that when crimes are motivated by hatred towards somebody's identity, the law would recognize and address the harms clearly.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation has received extensive scrutiny. Parliament has debated it for more than 30 hours. The justice committee heard from more than 30 witnesses and considered amendments. Debate is important, but at some point, Parliament must also make decisions. Otherwise, meaningful legislation to improve the lives of Canadians would never be able to make an impact. Canadians expect us to examine legislation seriously and then vote on it. That is what this motion allows the House to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of MOSAIC, an extraordinary organization that has shaped the story of inclusion in Canada. For half a century, MOSAIC has stood beside newcomers, welcoming immigrants, supporting refugees and helping families build new lives with dignity and purpose. In communities like Burnaby and across B.C., MOSAIC's work has turned challenges into opportunity through language training, employment support and settlement services. MOSAIC has empowered tens of thousands of people to find a place to call home. That is the Canada we believe in. Its mission reflects the very best of our country: compassion, diversity and the belief that when newcomers are supported, all of Canada benefits. Canada is not defined by where people come from, but by how we welcome one another. Fifty years ago, MOSAIC planted a seed of hope for newcomers. Today, that seed has grown into a thriving forest of opportunity. In celebrating MOSAIC, we are reminded that Canada's strength lies in every hand we hold, every life we lift and every story we welcome, because when we rise together, we all succeed.

Mr. Speaker, Build Canada Homes is Canada's affordable housing builder, and it is already delivering real results. It continues to support projects that provide Canadians with safe, stable and affordable homes, including homes coming to British Columbia through a recently announced partnership. Can the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure update the House on how this new partnership will help deliver much-needed housing for residents in British Columbia?

Mr. Speaker, how do we ensure that fear will never defeat us as Canadians? Families in Tumbler Ridge have faced every parent's worst nightmare. Innocent lives were taken, and many other people were injured. To the grieving families, we offer our deepest condolences. Their loss is felt across this country. To the people recovering and to the students and teachers carrying trauma, we stand beside them. We thank the teachers who protected their students, the first responders who ran toward danger and the health care workers who worked tirelessly to save lives. In Burnaby Central, we come from many cultures and speak different languages, but we stand as one in our promise: Our children should grow up free from violence. Today we hold Tumbler Ridge in our hearts. We rise together. By choosing light over hatred, solidarity over division, and peace over violence, we deny fear its power. In every choice we make, we uphold Canada, a land of courage and a home of compassion.

Mr. Speaker, last week in South Korea, I joined parliamentarians and activists from around the world at a conference on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, where I was proud to share our Canadian experience. At a time when democracy, inclusion and fundamental freedoms are under attack globally, Canada must lead with clarity and resolve. As the Prime Minister affirmed in Davos, our path forward must be both “principled and pragmatic”. February is Black History Month, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of its recognition in Canada. We honour the resilience, leadership and contribution of Black Canadians, and we recommit ourselves to justice and equal opportunity. Let me be very clear: racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, discrimination and hate in any form have no place in the House, no home in our communities and no future in Canada. In moments of uncertainty, Canadians do not turn inward. We stand together. We lead with purpose, and we move forward undaunted and determined to defend the Canada we love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Bullying, discrimination, homophobia, racism and hate have no place in the House or in any corner of Canada. During the justice committee meeting on Tuesday evening, I experienced mocking comments directed at the way I speak English and other remarks that undermined and attacked my intelligence. In addition, a non-permanent member moved my nameplate without my permission. These actions—

Mr. Speaker, these actions, whether intentional or not, undermine the standard of respect and decorum expected in parliamentary committees. They affect not only my ability to participate fully but also the principle that all members of the House, including those from minority and newcomer communities, deserve to be treated with fairness and respect. I ask you to remind all members, permanent or substitutes, that committee proceedings must be conducted with courtesy and professionalism and that all materials, such as nameplates, should not be moved without the member's consent. Upholding this standard ensures that all members of the House can contribute fully and effectively and that our committees reflect the dignity of this House. Finally, I respectfully request an apology from the member of Parliament for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, the member of Parliament for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan and the member of Parliament for Peace River—Westlock so that our committees can continue to function fairly and with dignity.

Mr. Speaker, victims' groups, police chiefs, police associations, provinces, territories and municipalities have all called for the quick passage of Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act. As hate crimes continue to rise, communities across Canada are urging us to move forward on Bill C-9, the combatting hate act. However, instead of helping advance this important work, Conservatives have been filibustering the justice committee, blocking witnesses and delaying progress. Can the secretary of state update this House on the impact of these Conservative delays and tell us what needs to happen so that we can get this done for Canadians?

Mr. Speaker, on November 25, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a reminder that gender-based violence continues to threaten women, girls and gender diverse people across Canada, and on November 27, we mark the eighth anniversary of the historic apology delivered to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, an affirmation that equality, dignity and inclusion must guide us always. Budget 2025 turns that premise into action with over $660 million over five years to advance women's equality, support 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians and expand Canada's fight against gender-based violence. To Emma, an openly queer student from Burnaby Central who wrote to me urging that we keep fighting for the most vulnerable, who still face discrimination and harassment simply because of who they are, on this side of the house, we hear them, we see them and we will defend their rights every single day.

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Halifax. I rise today to speak in strong support of budget 2025. This is a budget that strengthens our economy, advances a fair society and ensures safer, more resilient communities for all Canadians. Last week, I received a letter from Emma, a 13-year-old student in Burnaby Central. After reading my September mailer, she urged her government to stand up against unfair U.S. tariffs and policies that would hurt Canadian workers and families. However, Emma's letter did not stop there. She is openly queer and wanted a government that stands for equality, fairness and inclusion. Her voice reminds us that the work we do in Parliament matters to the next generation. When a young person feels safe and empowered to speak up about trade and protecting 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, it speaks volumes about our country and our responsibility as lawmakers. This is why I am so proud that budget 2025 provides long-term, stable funding to the Department of Women and Gender Equality to advance women's equity, prevent gender-based violence and protect 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. We owe it to Emma and to every young Canadian to build a society where they are free from fear and free to dream. I recently visited Nelson Avenue Community Church in my riding, where members shared one concern I hear every day: the high cost of housing and ensuring seniors can live with dignity in their communities. Budget 2025 delivers real, practical solutions. We are building deeply affordable community and co-op housing for low-income families; eliminating GST for first-time homebuyers for homes under $1 million and reducing it for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million; increasing CMBs to support more housing starts; and supporting seniors through the new horizons for seniors program and funding local projects like fitness programs and national initiatives like financial literacy classes for seniors so they can stay active and live with dignity. Together with the build communities strong fund, these measures help families and seniors stay in the communities they love and flourish in. Building a stronger Canada takes government, industry and world-class polytechnic institutions. In Burnaby Central, we are proud to be home to the British Columbia Institute of Technology, a national leader defining what polytechnic education means in Canada. BCIT is not just a school; it is a powerhouse of talent. It is where Canada's welders, electricians, engineers, technicians, nurses and innovators get the hands-on training that builds our country and infrastructure, powers our industries and strengthens our economy. As our government advances $115.2 billion in infrastructure investment, we will rely on BCIT more than ever, because without skilled apprentices, trained tradespeople and innovators ready to lead, no major project gets built, not on time and not on budget. BCIT is building the workforce of tomorrow. Our job is to ensure institutions like BCIT have the tools to keep doing that. Innovation is happening in Burnaby. I recently toured three remarkable companies. Novarc Technologies is a global leader in welding automation, using AI robotics to tackle complex industrial applications. This is critical as Canada ramps up infrastructure and clean technology projects. Svante Technologies is a world leader in carbon capture, turning climate ambition into action and helping Canada lead in clean technology. BlueForce Energy advances low-carbon transition through electric fleet conversions, battery storage and renewable energy solutions. To compete globally, Canada must reduce its carbon intensity. In Burnaby, leading innovators are showing how Canadian expertise, from advanced manufacturing to clean technology, can drive a cleaner, stronger and more competitive future. Emma reminded me that young Canadians already understand one important truth: We cannot rely on one trading partner. With 70% of our exports going to the United States, trade diversification is essential. Budget 2025 strengthens Canada's economic ties across the Indo-Pacific by deepening our relationship with key economic and trade partners such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India and Australia, while expanding opportunities with ASEAN members and Europe. Through this partnership, Canada is creating opportunities in agriculture, clean technology, digital trade, advanced manufacturing, and services, ensuring Canadian businesses can compete globally while building a more resilient economy at home. A diversified economy is a resilient economy, and this budget makes it a priority. Every week in Burnaby Central, families tell me the same thing: They are working hard, but everything is so expensive. They want a government that gets that and acts on it. Budget 2025 does exactly that, delivering real relief that makes life more affordable for the middle class. It starts with a tax cut. On July 1 this year, the first federal tax bracket dropped from 15% to 14%, helping nearly 22 million Canadians and saving dual-income households up to $840. Budget 2025 also strengthens safety and security for all Canadians. Last week, I hosted a tea party in my constituency office with small business owners, health care professionals, college security managers, Burnaby firefighters and the RCMP. One consensus was clear: We all want safe neighbourhoods. This budget delivers on that promise. It invests in 1,000 new RCMP officers to keep our communities safe, invests $617.7 million to strengthen the CBSA's capacity to stop smuggling and illegal weapons, reforms the Canada community security program to protect places of worship and culture centres, creates a new anti-fraud strategy to implement stronger protections for consumers, particularly seniors and newcomers, and creates a new financial crimes agency to bring together the expertise and resources needed to stop criminal activities. These are not abstract numbers; they are practical, tangible investments that reflect our values, protect our communities, support frontline workers and ensure that every person can feel safe and secure in their home and neighbourhood. In October, I visited Burnaby Hospital to discuss the hospital's expansion project and the critical shortage of health care professionals. The leadership expressed strong support for foreign-trained health care workers. Separately, I spoke with two foreign-trained physiotherapists who shared their frustration with Canada's licensing process, which can take three to four years. I know their struggle personally. After earning my law degree in Australia, it took me 18 months to become a qualified lawyer here in Canada. Budget 2025 is taking action. It provides $97 million to create a foreign credential recognition action fund, helping provinces and territories make it faster and easier for internationally trained professionals to contribute their skills and serve Canadians. It is about cutting red tape, and we are recognizing talent. When Emma, a brave 13-year-old girl, wrote to me asking whether her government would stand up against U.S. tariffs and stand with her as an openly queer Canadian, she was not just asking for reassurance; she was asking for action. With this budget, we are saying yes: yes to workers, who need stability; yes to families, who need affordability; yes to students, who need opportunities and careers; yes to businesses, which need certainty; yes to newcomers, who need a fair start; yes to seniors, who deserve dignity; yes to women, who deserve safety and protection from gender-based violence; yes to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, who deserve to know their country stands with them and protects them; and yes to Canada, a country that refuses to settle, refuses to slow down and refuses to leave anyone behind. It is a country that builds boldly, competes fiercely and stands ready to lead. This budget is our answer to a Canada that lifts people up, protects their rights and builds a future worthy of their courage, while making our economy stronger, more resilient and ready for the challenges of tomorrow. I thank Emma for her courage, her voice and her hope. She is the future of Canada. Let us pass this transformational budget and build a Canada ready for Emma and for every child, every family and every future generation that will shine in the Canada we build today.