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Feb/2/23 1:50:37 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I do not think unconditional transfers to the provinces are necessarily the solution to this. However, what I would like to highlight from what I took from the hon. member's point is that there are other factors, specifically social and economic determinants of health, that play a huge role in this. I am sure other committees will definitely look into this.

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Ms. Viviane Lapointe (Sudbury, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 1:51:15 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to enter this very important discussion. I appreciate the concerns raised by the member for Fundy Royal about Canada's bail system, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss how bail law operates in Canada, and in particular, how it deals with violent offences and addresses some of the concerns we are hearing from across the aisle. The bail system in Canada contributes to public safety and confidence in the criminal justice system. It allows accused persons to be remanded in cases where there is just cause to do so, such as when there is a need to protect public safety. I am encouraged to hear that our government is working to strengthen the regime while respecting the rights of Canadians. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, all accused are entitled to liberty and presumed innocent until proven guilty. Paragraph 11(e) of the charter provides that any person charged with an offence has the right not to be deprived of release or reasonable bail without just cause. The Supreme Court of Canada has provided us with important guidance on interim release and relevant charter considerations. For example, the court noted in the St-Cloud decision in 2015 that “in Canadian law, the release of accused persons is the cardinal rule and detention, the exception”. However, such exceptions are important. For example, some offences have what is called the reverse onus for bail, which means the burden is on the offender to make the case for bail. These include firearm offences and some intimate partner violence offences, which were added by our government. Subsection 515(10) of the Criminal Code sets out the three grounds on which an accused person may be refused interim release. First, they may be detained when this is necessary to ensure their presence in court. That is known as the main ground. Second, they may be detained to protect the public, victims and witnesses, particularly when it is likely that the accused will commit another offence or harm the administration of justice if released. This is known as the secondary ground. The protection of the public is certainly central to this ground. Several factors may be taken into account when the court considers this ground, including the defendant's criminal record, whether the defendant was on bail or probation at the time of the charge, the defendant's personal circumstances and any interference with witnesses or evidence. The court may also consider the seriousness of the offence and the strength of the Crown's case, based on the principle that the more serious the offence and the greater the likelihood of conviction, the greater the need for public protection. Third, the accused may be detained where necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice, taking into account particular circumstances, such as the strength of the prosecution's case, the seriousness of the offence, the sentencing range for the offence and whether a firearm was used. This is known as the tertiary ground. In the St-Cloud decision, the Supreme Court noted that the scope of the tertiary ground has been unduly narrowed by the courts in certain cases. The court affirmed that the tertiary ground is a ground for detention in its own right, independent of the other grounds, and that it should not be interpreted narrowly, applied narrowly or limited to exceptional circumstances. We agree with the court. The general rule is that, when a Crown prosecutor seeks to detain an accused in custody, they must persuade the court that there are grounds to do so. However, the Criminal Code includes several provisions where the burden of proof shifts to the accused. When these provisions apply, the accused must demonstrate why their detention in custody is not justified based on the primary, secondary or tertiary ground. This is referred to as the reverse onus. Reverse onus provisions play an important role in the criminal justice system. They balance the right of an accused person to a fair opportunity for bail with the need to protect the safety of all Canadians. To ensure the protection of the public and reduce the rate of recidivism in the criminal justice system, the reverse onus provisions target certain types of reoffending and specific serious offences. For example, where the accused is charged with failing to attend court or failing to comply with a previous bail order, the reverse onus will apply. It also applies when the accused is charged with certain serious offences. One of the best-known reverse onus situations is when someone is charged with murder or attempted murder. However, other serious offences, such as weapons trafficking, discharging a firearm with intent, sexual assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, hostage-taking, robbery, and drug trafficking, importing or exporting all engage the reverse onus provisions. To protect Canadians from gun violence, the reverse onus provisions are applied to offences involving firearms where the accused is subject to a weapons prohibition order, as is called for by the motion today. I am happy to say that this is already the law, and I again express concern that the opposition is trying to create fear by implying the law is different than it is. That said, I am aware of the call to expand this to more firearms provisions from provincial and territorial premiers, and I am encouraged to hear that this idea is under serious consideration by our government. The bail provisions also recognize the need to protect victims of intimate partner violence. For an accused charged with an offence involving intimate partner violence who has previously been convicted of such an offence, the reverse onus will apply. This provision directly targets repeat offenders and strives to ensure the safety of victims of intimate partner violence. I am proud to be part of the government that made this change. A court must cancel an accused person's previous form of release where it finds that the accused has contravened or is about to contravene their bail conditions or where the accused has committed an indictable offence while being bound by a form of release. When cancelling the previous release, the court must order the detention of the accused unless the accused establishes that their detention is not justified. The reverse onus provisions give the courts the tools necessary to protect the public from accused persons who fail to attend court or follow bail conditions. They also give the courts the ability to protect victims of intimate partner violence by compelling the accused to demonstrate why they should be released from custody. These provisions reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice with the knowledge that persons accused of serious crimes must convince a judge that their release is justified before they can be released on bail. The bail system is integral to the proper functioning of our criminal justice system and contributes to a fair and safe society. As the minister said earlier in the House, we are quickly and carefully reviewing concerns and solutions that have been raised recently by provinces, territories and others. I was also encouraged to hear of the ongoing work and the upcoming federal, provincial and territorial meeting to further explore how we can strengthen our bail system at all levels of government. In exploring solutions to the concerns raised, I know our government will take the safety of Canadians into account. I look forward to hearing more from both the Minister of Justice and his provincial and territorial counterparts.

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All Topics

Ms. Julie Dzerowicz (Davenport, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 1:59:24 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, I was honoured to join the Prime Minister, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development and the Minister of Public Safety, at the North American Leaders' Summit in my role as chair of the Canada-Mexico Parliamentary Friendship Group. During the summit, the leaders signed the declaration of North America, a joint leader statement focused on building our economy to benefit people and to expand trilateral co-operation. With over 500 million people and $24 trillion in combined GDP, representing one of the world's largest trading blocs, the trilateral partnership is an opportunity to show the world that our democracies can successfully work together to address the most pressing challenges of our time. Canada's partnership with the United States and Mexico advances Canadian priorities of building a clean economy, bolstering resilient supply chains and building our economies to work for everyone. Our Prime Minister emphasized the importance of trade agreements being inclusive and benefiting all Canadians. It is only through inclusive and sustainable growth that we will continue to have the support of Canadians and be an inspiration to the world.

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Mr. Brad Redekopp (Saskatoon West, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:00:32 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, during January, I met with many folks from the west side of Saskatoon. One message became abundantly clear to me. After eight years, they are sick and tired of the NDP-Liberal coalition government breaking our community. Whether it is at the gas pumps, the grocery store or walking down our main streets, people see every day how everything is broken. The NDP has been pushing for higher gasoline prices by raising the carbon tax on ordinary folks. It has been colluding with the Liberals to raise food prices. After eight years, crime is on the rise, as the NDP and Liberals work together to set criminals free. People in Saskatoon continue to deal with persistent repeat criminals because revolving-door sentencing policies allow thugs to commit a crime, get released on bail and victimize yet another person as they please. After eight years, Canadians are ready for a change from the failing, broken NDP-Liberal coalition. Thankfully, the Conservatives, under our new leader, will meet the challenge. What they have broken, we will fix.

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Mr. Heath MacDonald (Malpeque, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:01:37 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honour a long-term staff person of the Malpeque team, Kim MacDonald, who recently passed away on January 15 at the young age of 52, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kim first started with the Malpeque constituency office in 2011 with then-member of Parliament Wayne Easter. I have had the pleasure of having her on my team since joining federal politics in 2021. Throughout her time in the office, Kim was a caring and professional employee who helped many constituents over the years, whether that was looking into their case or simply being someone to listen to their concerns and hearing them out. Kim also was a very lively spirit in the office, with her quick wit and great sense of humour, keeping all of us on our toes and laughing even during challenging times. I know I speak for all my staff when I say that we will miss Kim. We appreciate everything she did for myself, Wayne Easter and the constituents of Malpeque. To her husband Paul and children Austin, Malcolm, Liam and Bella, we send our heartfelt condolences and thank them for sharing their wife and mom with us. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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Ms. Sylvie Bérubé (Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou, BQ)

Feb/2/23 2:02:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, a remarkable man from my riding is one of the 49 people who were invested into the Order of Canada on December 13. Bill Namagoose, who served as the executive director of the Cree Nation Government for 35 years, was invested into the Order of Canada for his significant contributions to the Cree Nation of Eeyou Istchee and to the advancement of indigenous rights across the country. Mr. Namagoose accepted this honour in the spirit of reconciliation. He served as the band manager of the Waskaganish Cree First Nation from 1978 to 1988 and as chief of that nation from 1983 to 1984. He helped build a relationship between the Cree nation, Quebec and Canada, which he considers his proudest achievement. He also participated in the peace of the brave negotiations and the creation of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government. I do not have enough time to list all of the wonderful things this man has accomplished. I congratulate Mr. Namagoose for this richly deserved honour, and I wish him a happy retirement.

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Mr. Serge Cormier (Acadie—Bathurst, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:03:46 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Canadians across the country need to hear the name Arthur Léon Haché. Mr. Haché died on December 7, at the age of 98. He was the last surviving World War II veteran from the riding of Acadie—Bathurst. He was only 17 when he enlisted in the North Shore regiment. Having participated in two major battles, the Normandy landing and the Battle of the Scheldt, he came home with haunting memories and physical and psychological injuries. Despite everything, Mr. Haché always attended the various commemorative activities and never hesitated to share his story and that of his fellow Canadians. He was a great inspiration to the people of our communities and we will remember him as a hero. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Dorina, and his children, Hector, Michel and Carole. Never forget that thanks to the sacrifices of Mr. Haché, we now live in a free country in peace.

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Mr. Alex Ruff (Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:04:48 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today is Groundhog Day, and I am proud to represent Canada’s world-famous prognosticator, Wiarton Willie. Before I share his prediction, I will share how Groundhog Day began for most Canadians. Their alarms went off, they rolled over, grabbed their phones and read about a Liberal sweetheart deal for McKinsey. The next day, their alarms went off, they rolled over, grabbed their phones and were shocked to see yet another McKinsey contract for millions of dollars. They went to bed that night thinking this nightmare had to end, but lo and behold, when they woke up the next morning there was another million-dollar contract for McKinsey. We may think Bill Murray had it bad in the movie Groundhog Day, but after eight years and random Liberal after another random Liberal getting rich, it is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The good news is that Wiarton Willie brought hope for Canadians this morning. In the great riding of Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, he predicted an early spring, and he also predicted an end to the Liberal scandals and a Conservative win in the next federal election.

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Ms. Leah Taylor Roy (Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:05:54 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as the Iranian regime continues its ruthless crackdown on women's rights and other vulnerable populations, I want to call attention to the plight of Morad Tahbaz. This past January marks more than five years since he and five other environmental activists were unjustly imprisoned by the Iranian government for allegations of espionage and sedition. I cannot understand how the activities of Mr. Tahbaz and his colleagues, such as monitoring the ecosystems and social habits of endangered species such as the Asiatic cheetah, can possibly be considered credible grounds for imprisonment. I applaud the Iranian people for continuing to stand up for women’s rights and human rights, to shine a light on the plight of those Iranians brave enough to fight for their country and their planet. I want to acknowledge the exceptional courage of Iranians who are standing up for their rights and their home, as well as the endurance of their fight against violence and the injustice targeted mainly at women. Alongside my fellow York Region Liberal caucus members of Parliament, I endorse #Moradtahbaz, commit to fighting for his release, sharing his story and letting the Iranian regime know that we are watching. We will not rest until he is free. We, as York Region Liberal members of the Canadian Parliament, demand the immediate and unconditional release of #Moradtahbaz and all the political prisoners who participated in the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran, in particular those who are facing imminent threat of sentencing—

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The Speaker

Feb/2/23 2:07:19 p.m.
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The hon. member for Cloverdale—Langley City has the floor.

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Mr. John Aldag (Cloverdale—Langley City, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:07:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the opportunity to connect with many constituents about their experiences with the Canada child benefit, or CCB, and the new child care agreement in B.C. One woman told me her heartbreaking story of being in an abusive relationship. Because of the CCB, she was able to leave and restart the lives of herself and her children. Others expressed to me how the CCB tied to inflation has kept their finances stable in this time of global inflation, allowing them to feed and clothe their children. Regarding child care, I met a single mother who was able to go back to work because a child care space became available. Her fees were reduced by 50% thanks in large part to our agreement with B.C. Another family is also saving money on its fees. This has allowed the family to afford child care for its three kids, allowing both parents to return to work. These are just a few stories I heard about how our government’s support for families is making a difference. I look forward to 2026, when $10-a-day child care is fully implemented in B.C.

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Mr. Tony Baldinelli (Niagara Falls, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:08:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after eight years of this Liberal government, Canadians are suffering greatly. The proof is everywhere we look. Crime is skyrocketing, our bail system is broken and there are Liberal scandals aplenty. On matters of the economy, hard-working Canadians are being squeezed by the government's actions or lack thereof. On one end, Canadians are being pressured by inflation, which is being drive by out-of-control Liberal spending and a big dysfunctional government. Today, after eight years of this Liberal government, Canadians are taking home less of their hard-earned money but they are paying more. Rent and mortgage interest rates are up, gas and home heating bills are up, grocery costs are up, inflation and taxes are up, and Canadians are fed up. Hard-working and law-abiding Canadians need to know this. The Conservatives are here for them and they can count on us to work for them so they can live more affordably, bring home bigger paycheques and take back control of their everyday lives.

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Mr. Patrick Weiler (West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:09:29 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we know residential schools caused unspeakable harm to indigenous peoples, languages and cultures. Acceptance and compensation of the harms was a critical catalyst in the process of reconciliation. It took visionary and dedicated leadership to fight for the same justice for the survivors and descendants of those victimized by day schools. The systematic destruction of indigenous identity that took place at these institutions did not just impact individuals, it impacted the nation as a whole. After over a decade of legal proceedings, a groundbreaking settlement was reached on January 21 to compensate the bands for the collective harm. A new trust was created to support healing, wellness, education, heritage and language to help repair the damage that was done. I want to honour the many who fought for this, including hiwus Garry Feschuk of the shíshálh Nation, without who justice would be denied. ?ul nu msh chalap.

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Mrs. Anna Roberts (King—Vaughan, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:10:30 p.m.
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Buongiorno, signor Presidente. The Liberals have had eight years to make our streets safer and they have made things worse. The Liberals and their soft-on-crime policies most recently allowed a man previously arrested for assault to reoffend and assault an innocent senior. An 89-year-old elderly woman was attacked, unprovoked, in January while simply walking along the sidewalks in Toronto in broad daylight. Sadly, this senior died. Violent crime is on the rise in Canadian cities. It has increased by 32% since the Liberal government took power, and violent crime has increased 92% during the eight years of the current Liberal government. Canadians are terrified. They are afraid to use public transit and they are afraid to walk the streets. When is the Liberal government going to care more about the victims than the criminals?

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Mr. Greg McLean (Calgary Centre, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:11:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister promised sunny ways. What do we have after eight years? We have the doubling of Canada's federal debt, the highest inflation rate in a generation, energy costs going through the roof and a government unable to deliver basic services to Canadians. Sunny ways, they say. Well, the sun is shining on the lucky ones at McKinsey being paid millions as Liberal consultants and on friends of cabinet ministers. After eight years, the people working hard to join the middle class are discovering they are second class, while the government is taking care of its friends. The Liberals cannot, or will not, deliver our environmentally renowned energy security options to our desperate allies. Foreign leaders come to Canada, asking for our help, and the Prime Minister gives them the cold shoulder. Freeze in the dark or deal with autocrats, he says. After eight years, Canada's international reputation is in tatters. There is a path forward. The Conservative Party would mend divisions and rebuild our country, our economy and our reputation as a world leader.

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Mr. Marc Serré (Nickel Belt, Lib.)

Feb/2/23 2:12:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the volunteers at the Centre Club d'âge d'or de la Vallée, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and also all current members and the members who founded the centre in 1973. I want to thank all members of the Fédération des aînés et des retraités francophones de l'Ontario, or FARFO, in Nickel Belt. FARFO has a significant impact and improves our seniors' quality of life. It is essential that we continue to support organizations such as the Club 50 de Rayside Balfour, the Club Accueil d'âge d'or Azilda, the Club de l'amitié in Verner, the seniors' clubs in River Valley, Field, Lavigne and Sturgeon Falls, and Les aînés de la Rivière des Français in Noelville. For decades, these committed organizations have organized activities for seniors to engage them through social activities such as breakfasts and community outings. I am proud to live in a community where these organizations work to improve our seniors' quality of life.

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The Speaker

Feb/2/23 2:13:50 p.m.
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I want to remind everyone that the S. O. 31s are taking place. I know there are people talking among themselves, but it just seems to be creeping up. The hon. member for Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing.

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Mrs. Carol Hughes (Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, NDP)

Feb/2/23 2:14:05 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we all have a shared commitment to public safety, but when it comes to indigenous policing, services are chronically underfunded. Indigenous police forces such as those within my riding, the UCCM Anishnaabe Police, Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service, Anishinabek Police Service and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, do great work in serving first nations communities. However, there is an urgent need to ensure that negotiations to renew agreements include a healthy increase to core funding. Often, there are only two officers working each shift, and when officers respond to a call in one community they are consistently unable to respond to calls from other first nations. Lately, there has been an increase in homicide, gun, drug and human trafficking-related crimes. First nations police services need more funding to hire more officers and dedicated funding for crime units to better respond to public safety issues so that no community is left unprotected. Today, I ask all parliamentarians to call for increases to core funding and the renewal of first nations policing agreements.

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Mrs. Julie Vignola (Beauport—Limoilou, BQ)

Feb/2/23 2:15:20 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, let us play a little guessing game. I am going to talk about an event that attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year and takes place in Quebec City. It is the biggest winter carnival in the world, and its friendly mascot is loved by people of all ages. You will have guessed that I am talking about the Quebec Winter Carnival. This year, everyone is invited to come and celebrate the world's largest winter carnival from February 3 to 12 under the theme “Shake your Pompom”. This is all possible thanks to the organizers and volunteers who are excited to welcome people, whether it is for Bonhomme's ice palace, the canoe race, the sculptures or the famous snow baths. There is certainly plenty of snow this year. I invite everyone to come celebrate winter and warm up at the 69th Quebec Winter Carnival. Visitors must not forget their effigies, their trumpets and their arrow sashes. I will be there, and I hope to see my colleagues there, too.

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Mr. Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, CPC)

Feb/2/23 2:16:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, there is no sadder story than that of unrequited love, when one person showers the other with gifts and favours while the other claims to be totally disinterested. I am talking of course about the relationship between the Prime Minister and Dominic Barton. When the Prime Minister spoke about how accessible Barton is, Barton claimed to not even have his phone number. When the Prime Minister gave Barton's company over $100 million in contracts, Barton did not even recognize him in an elevator. I used to say that this was a government that helped its friends, but maybe it is just a government that helps the people it wishes were its friends. Then again, Dominic Barton is just naturally forgetful. His company worked for Purdue Pharma for 15 years, advising it on how to turbocharge opioid sales, yet Barton claims he did not even know it was a client. Either way, after all that the current Prime Minister has done for McKinsey, Barton's rejection must really sting. However, it is nothing like what the Canadians who are living with the Prime Minister's economic policies have been experiencing for the last eight years.

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