44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 18, 2023 11:00AM
Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my thanks to the member for his words today. I have had the pleasure of working with him on the justice committee for many years. I want to thank him for his hard work on intimate partner violence, and for his words today in support of this bill.
He has raised, a number of times today, the need to get this bill urgently passed. The leader of the official opposition has stated publicly that he is in favour of this.
What kind of message does it send to the public if the Conservatives do not follow through on that commitment?
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Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, I do look forward to working with the hon. member as the new parliamentary secretary for justice.
I want to be a little less partisan. The question is not what the public will think about any one party here if we do not get this done. It is what the public will think about us as parliamentarians as a whole. I think we have a responsibility, when we see a large degree of consensus and these large public concerns, to act as expeditiously as possible.
As I said, the justice committee already held hearings and those hearings informed the bill before us today. There is no reason, in my mind, that we could not proceed expeditiously. If members have other things they want to see, let them bring forward private members' bills. Let the government bring forward additional bills.
However, we have a bill today that has broad support from premiers, law enforcement and the public, and seems to have support from all the parties. Let us get the job done.
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Uqaqtittiji, I would like to welcome everyone back after the summer to a new session. I thank the member for his great presentation.
One thing I am always asking people to be considerate about is indigenous issues. We all know that there are increased numbers of indigenous offenders.
Can the member describe how this bill would not increase barriers around access to justice for indigenous peoples?
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the member for Nunavut, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of indigenous people and northern residents in Canada.
I want to point out that one of the areas where there is a severe lack of social services when it comes to things like addiction treatment and mental health services is Nunavut. By providing for community-based bail supervision, this bill would allow a lot of people who are maybe, for the first time, in conflict with the justice system, to find a way to keep their housing, their contacts with family and their employment, and not end up in further conflict with the law.
That means that the federal government would have to step up and help provide the funding to the Government of Nunavut to make those necessary social services available in communities across the north.
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Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise on behalf of the people from Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo.
We talk about reverse onuses and the member mentioned perhaps we should be looking at different things and different private members' bills if they are not in this legislation.
The issue of firearms and repeat firearms offenders is one of significant concern. Does he agree that those who have repeatedly used firearms should also be targeted by a differential reverse onus, perhaps one that is ramped up from the current one? As he said, those who go to acquire an illegal firearm are, themselves, going out of their way to commit crime.
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Mr. Speaker, once again, I am a bit perplexed by the question, since Bill C-48 specifically addresses the question around the use of illegal weapons in the commission of crimes and it creates an additional reverse onus.
That means there are additional requirements of those who have been found in possession of illegal weapons. They must demonstrate why they are not a threat to public safety and why they should not be detained before trial.
That is exactly what Bill C-48 is doing. That is exactly what the bill is responding to, which is the demand from the premiers. That is exactly what law enforcement asked for.
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Mr. Speaker, I did raise, with the minister, the same issue that my colleague has raised, which is the lack of services in pretrial detention. We should attend to that issue.
I want to know if he has more clarity than I do on the position of the official opposition. I appreciate he is exhorting us not to be partisan, but I am frankly confused. I thought the hon. leader of the official opposition said publicly we need to get this bill passed as quickly as possible, but on a direct question from the Minister of Justice, he seemed to duck the answer.
Does the hon. member for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke have more insight on whether we will have all-party collaboration today to get the bill passed today?
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her concern about the lack of services in pretrial detention because it is a very important part of public safety.
I am no expert on the internal workings of the Conservative Party, but it does seem peculiar when its leader, who has said that he was prepared to get this done in a day, no longer seems prepared to do that.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I speak to what I believe is really important legislation. This legislation is being supported not only by me, but also by the minister and the government. From listening to the debate so far in the House, I understand that the principles of the legislation are being supported by all sides of the House, whether one is a New Democrat, a member of the Bloc, possibly a Green, and I have not heard the Greens speak to the bill yet, but I anticipate they will be supporting it based on other observations I have made, or even a member of the Conservative Party.
The leader of the official opposition gave an interesting speech. He has maybe taken a bit of a variation on reality to try to reflect things as being in a relatively negative state here in Canada, but the essence of what he was saying about this particular piece of legislation was in good part supportive, as the Minister of Justice pointed out when he introduced the legislation this morning.
Members have had the opportunity to go through the legislation to see the benefits of passing the legislation. The Leader of the Opposition was actually very supportive of the legislation to the degree that at one point he gave the indication that he would be prepared to sit until midnight for the legislation to be passed. There were a couple of questions posed to the leader of the official opposition because there was a sense of the potential to see the legislation passed relatively quickly and whether he would still entertain that. One of his short answers implied yes. It would appear Bill C-48 has the support of all members of the House.
Before I go any further, I want to inform the House that I will be splitting my time. I will be sharing my time with the member for St. John's South—Mount Pearl.
It is not just members of Parliament who are in support of bail reform. Bail reform has been on the agenda of politicians of all political stripes and from all levels of government for a number of years now. A great deal of consultation has taken place on dealing with the issue of public safety as it relates to bail reform. The legislation before us has substantial support across the country. Provinces and territories have signed on in support of the legislation.
I understand ministers of justice and premiers from different regions of the country have all indicated very clearly that they would like to see this legislation ultimately become law. I heard there are a number of members who would like to see the legislation pass second reading so we can bring it to the committee stage to see if there might be potential changes made to reflect what the consultations led to.
The House is very much open to having the legislation pass. I am curious whether or not, at the end of the day, we will be able to see the legislation pass because we have had a fairly solid green light that the Conservatives would support its quick passage. Having been here for a while, I am going to remain a little optimistic on that point.
It is not just the politicians who support this legislation. I want to read a couple of quotes. Law enforcement officers are often the ones who are on the front line looking for changes, and I thought it would be good to share some of the things law enforcement officers are saying regarding Bill C-48.
Canada's police associations in general welcomed the government of Canada's action on bail reform. Associations representing Canada's frontline law enforcement personnel released the following statements welcoming the introduction of the bill, Bill C-48. I would like to quote a couple of them, if I may. The first reads:
Front-line law enforcement personnel have been asking the government to take concrete steps to address the small number of repeat violent offenders who commit a disproportionate number of offences that put the safety of our communities at risk, and we appreciate that [the former minister of justice] and [the former minister of public safety] have worked collaboratively with stakeholders and introduced this common-sense legislation that responds to the concerns that our members have raised.
This is something that was reported and commented on by Tom Stamatakis, who is the president of the Canadian Police Association.
Mark Baxter, the president of the Police Association of Ontario had something further to say—
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- Sep/18/23 1:56:13 p.m.
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I thought I would interrupt the hon. member for just a moment to say that, although it is great to be back in the House of Commons, seeing all of our friends again and talking about the summer, I would remind folks that, if they would like to have those kinds of conversations, they should take them outside or try out the new time out booths at the back to see how they work. Then we will be able to listen to the the debate that is happening on the floor right now.
The hon. member for Winnipeg North does have the floor.
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Mr. Speaker, I do not know if that lulled the volume, but let me go on with what Mark Baxter, the president of the Police Association of Ontario, had to say:
Police personnel haven’t just been asking for a “tough on crime” approach, we have been advocating for a balanced approach that includes prevention and rehabilitation, but also recognizes that a small number of repeat, violent offenders need to be held accountable for their actions. Bill C-48 is a step in the right direction, and we sincerely hope the Courts will use these new measures that are being introduced by the government in cases where circumstances warrant.
The last quote I would like to refer to is from Jon Reid, the president of the Toronto Police Association. He said:
Our members recognize that our Charter ensures we all benefit from a presumption of innocence, but for too long the current balance has put the rights of an accused well above the rights our communities have to public safety and security. Ensuring the public maintains its confidence in the administration of justice is paramount, and I believe the introduction of Bill C- 48, and the clear message being sent by the government that public safety remains a top priority, will help victims of crime, as well as all Canadians know serious, repeat violent offenders can and will be held accountable for their actions.
I believe that reinforces the messages we are hearing from politicians of all political stripes and at all levels of government that recognize we want our communities to be a safe environment for our constituents. Bill C-48 is a progressive piece of legislation that has had extensive consultations. It would make a profound and positive difference by ensuring the communities in which we live are safer. That is why I believe we should look to the Leader of the Opposition and hold him to his word when he spoke of it having a quick passage.
I believe the intent of the House of Commons is to see this legislation passed in a quick fashion to allow it to go to committee. I have not heard anyone say that the principle of this legislation is something they cannot support. With that type of support for Bill C-48, I would conclude that it is the type of legislation that should get passed through the House to allow the committee to do the fine work that it does.
We need to remember that this is all about keeping the communities that we represent safer. To me, that is so very important. That is why I stand today with my colleagues in support of the legislation with the hope of seeing it passed in a relatively quick fashion.
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- Sep/18/23 2:00:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as we commence this parliamentary season, our goals remain clear: to serve Canadians from all political backgrounds and effectively address their needs and concerns.
I also want to wish Orléans students a successful back-to-school experience.
May the school year be rewarding and successful for everyone.
Turning our attention to the vibrant community of Orléans, I want to thank the 400 people who came out to my corn roast and barbecue on August 24, as well as the organizations participating.
They all contributed to its success.
Lastly, I would like to express my support and my sincere condolences to the Moroccan community in Orléans and Canada, as well as to the people of Morocco, following the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco.
My thoughts go out to my parliamentary assistant, Mahdi, and his family, who are originally from Marrakesh.
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- Sep/18/23 2:01:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, as I met with people across the country this summer, I heard the same message over and over again: young people locked out of the housing market who cannot find a place to rent and who now believe they may never be able to own a home of their own; families that have to renew their mortgages, thanks to the Liberal-NDP deficits, inflation and interest rate hikes, are afraid of losing their home; and seniors, thanks to the carbon tax, cannot afford healthy food and to pay their upcoming heating bills.
Canadian seniors, families and young people are the ones who are paying the price of the NDP-Liberal coalition and all their failures.
Canadians are hurting, and after eight years of inflationary Liberal-NDP spending and punishing carbon taxes on heating, eating and everyday life, it is easy to see that the Prime Minister is just not worth the cost.
To restore the Canada where young people could afford a home, to restore the Canada where seniors could afford to eat and heat their homes, to restore the hope of a better tomorrow, Canadians' only hope is a Conservative government.
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- Sep/18/23 2:02:45 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure I state that TCXpo, the epic second annual day of dynamic and interactive Canadian smart mobility technology demonstrations, will be hosted by Nepean-based Area X.O on Wednesday, September 27 in partnership with the Government of Canada and other sponsors.
Area X.O is an all-weather R and D complex for next generation smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies, founded and operated by Invest Ottawa.
The only national demo of its kind in Canada, TCXpo will bring together hundreds of innovators, entrepreneurs, technology developers, industry leaders, regulators, smart mobility partners and stakeholders from Canada's capital and across the country.
TCXpo will showcase Ottawa's thriving tech ecosystem and the organizations that contribute technology and intelligence to future vehicles and other smart mobility innovations.
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- Sep/18/23 2:04:19 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, one year ago, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, was arrested by the morality police on a street in Tehran. She was arrested for not wearing her hijab properly. Three days later, she succumbed to injuries sustained while in police custody.
Since then, she has become an icon. She inspired the Iranian people to rise up and call for justice from the mullah regime. Her face has since circled the globe as a symbol of solidarity with women fighting for their rights and freedoms in Iran.
One year on, Mahsa Amini still has a message for us, reminding us of our duty to demonstrate international solidarity and reminding us that women's rights are human rights. She inspires us to join all the Iranian women in making this heartfelt appeal to the Islamist regime: “Woman, Life, Freedom”.
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- Sep/18/23 2:05:23 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Phil Lind.
Phil was a Rogers executive for 54 years, working alongside Ted Rogers to build a great Canadian company. Phil was also a tireless advocate for multilingual, multicultural and specialty programming.
In 1992, Phil had the vision to create CPAC, an independent broadcaster whose mission was to connect Canadians to their democratic institutions.
Phil remained steadfastly committed to CPAC and its mission as the indispensable voice of democracy in Canada for over 31 years.
He strongly believed that Canadian news should be told by Canadian producers.
As the founder of what is now Rogers Telefund, Phil spearheaded the process to ensure financing for Canadian film and television producers over four decades.
He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2002 and inducted into the Cable Hall of Fame in 2012.
He is survived by his children and partner Ellen. On behalf of all parliamentarians, join me in remembering this titan of Canadian business.
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- Sep/18/23 2:06:43 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, crime, chaos and disorder, this is the Prime Minister's legacy after eight years of the NDP-Liberal government.
Violent crime is up 39%. Vancouver homicide is up 55%. B.C.'s London Drugs reports a 500% increase in violence in its stores. Vancouver's JJ Bean Coffee Roasters has closed for good due to crime.
Canadians are living in fear, businesses are closing and the new justice minister says that it is all in their heads.
Vancouver's Light Up Chinatown festival ended in a triple stabbing by an accused who had stabbed his own teenage daughter to death. Celebration turned into fear and tragedy. On top of this is the out-of-control release of government-funded free hard drugs. Overdose is the leading cause of death among B.C. youth.
We need jail, not bail, for violent repeat offenders; mandatory prison time for violent crimes; treatment and recovery for those struggling with addictions; common sense not nonsense. Let us bring it home.
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- Sep/18/23 2:07:55 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, whether people are in my home riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour or in any town in any city across Canada, young entrepreneurs are taking their smart ideas and turning them into viable businesses.
For over 25 years, Futurpreneur has assisted over 17,000 entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 launch new businesses in communities from coast to coast to coast. It has even helped launched one of Canada's most successful companies, Knix, whose founder Joanna now gives back by sitting as a board member.
I am thrilled to welcome Futurpreneur as it takes part in meetings on Parliament Hill today, including young entrepreneurs from across Canada, like Nicholas LaValle from my riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour. Nicholas is the founder of Clean Valley CIC, an innovative clean technology company that specializes in biofiltration.
I ask all members of the House to join me today in celebrating these entrepreneurs and their big ideas. Let us all support Futurpreneur today and into the future.
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- Sep/18/23 2:09:00 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to be back in beautiful Ottawa with all my hon. colleagues.
This weekend, members of the Iranian and Kurdish communities across Canada convened to mark the first anniversary of the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, a courageous Kurdish-Iranian woman.
Following Mahsa's murder, over 500 individuals were killed and over 23,000 individuals were detained and incarcerated, yet, despite the Iranian regime's brutality, women, minorities, musicians and cultural luminaries within Iran remain defiant.
As we honour the memory of Jina Mahsa Amini, I would ask all members to listen to members of the Iranian and Kurdish communities in their demands for justice and peace for their loved ones back home.
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- Sep/18/23 2:10:12 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it has been said about leaders that many communicate, but few connect. The tremendous address by the Leader of the Opposition about hope and home a couple of weeks ago connected with Canadians from coast to coast, so much so that even the Prime Minister lifted lines from it.
Home has been described as both a place of origin and a place of destiny, a familiar and safe place, and Canadians are feeling truly homesick. They are lost somewhere between where they once were and where they hope to be.
After eight long years of the tired Liberal-NDP government, they find themselves in a strange place where crime is on the rise, the cost of living is soaring and the dream of home ownership is out of reach.
Canadians know that something has changed and it is not them. Canadians are longing for a place called home. As long and dark as Canada's night may be, I have hope that morning will dawn again in our country and with it the realization that our potential is still greater than our perils.
A common-sense Conservative government will bring home that promise for all Canadians. Let us bring it home.
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