44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 17, 2024 10:00AM
- Sep/17/24 1:44:45 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, the inheritance that these NDP-Liberals had when they arrived in office was an envy of the world. Across the left and the right, our immigration policy was the envy of the world. Around the world, people looked at how Canada had managed its immigration levels, its housing, its health and its economy. This is an issue in which the NDP-Liberals, over nine years, have sown wanton division across our country and irresponsible government, which is a mixture of absolute ignorance or willful malice. I think it is somewhere between both.
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Madam Speaker, I rise in the House today to oppose Bill C-71. I do so wanting to recognize the context that our country finds itself in right now.
Immigration levels are too high. We are now approaching an average of 1.5 million people coming into the country per year. The reason we know that is too high is because population growth is now outpacing the job market. It is outpacing the housing market. It is also outpacing investment in social services like hospitals, schools and child care facilities. The quality of life for the average Canadian is in decline because of the stress being placed on our local economies and on public services. This is a sentiment held not just by people who may have been in Canada for many generations, but also by people who are immigrants themselves, children of immigrants and grandchildren of immigrants.
When we review Bill C-71, the ultimate question we need to ask ourselves is if this is a logical, reasonable, common-sense approach to citizenship and immigration, or is this is a continuation of an approach that has been in place for years now that is actually harming the quality of life for all people in the country, regardless of their backgrounds.
To advance a common-sense approach to immigration, I would put forward a three-part standard that we can evaluate Bill C-71 against.
The first question that any person would ask is how many people would be entering the country under Bill C-71. It is a very reasonable question, one that I imagine any Canadian would ask. It would be imperative for the government advancing this legislation to have an answer to. Unfortunately, we have tried our best to get specific numbers from the Liberal government on this legislation, and we have not gotten that number. We do not know how many more people would be entering the country under Bill C-71. Given the existing constraints we have, that is a very important question for the people of Canada to have an answer to.
The second part of this test, as my colleague, the member for Calgary Heritage mentioned, would be criminal background checks. Any Canadian, whether he or she just got here or has been here for a long time, would say it is common sense to do criminal background checks on who enters the country. It should be a no-brainer for anyone to agree to, yet, we have been advocating for the provision of mandatory criminal background checks in Bill C-71 without the support from the Liberal government or their allies in the NDP and the Bloc Québécois.
We are asking very clearly why proper vetting is not done before granting citizenship to people who do not live in our country and are only being granted citizenship through a weak and watered-down substantial connection test. The question becomes, why would anyone be surprised by this? We have seen example after example of the Liberal government not prioritizing criminal background checks in existing immigration policy.
We have seen examples just this summer of the Liberal government admitting into the country someone who is an alleged ISIS terrorist, granting that person citizenship while he plotted a terrorist attack on Toronto, the biggest city in the country. We have seen an example of the Liberal government granting a student visa in another incident to someone who planned a terrorist attack on New York City. It is on brand for the Liberal government to not be concerned about criminal background checks, and this is yet another instance of where Bill C-71 fails to meet a common-sense standard for appropriate immigration and citizenship policy.
The last point I will make in terms of this standard is about its economic impact. We have asked for a mandatory comprehensive economic impact assessment so that the Liberal government would share with the people of Canada what the impact would be of admitting even more people, adding to population growth, into the country. What would the impact be through Bill C-71 on our hospitals, on our schools, on our child care facilities? What would the impact be on young Canadians who aspire to own a home and are pessimistic about whether that dream will ever come true because we are not building enough houses but we are adding more people?
What would happen to the job market, where we are seeing increases in employment, especially youth employment? Would contributing more people to the country have a negative effect on our young people's ability to get a job and start their careers?
This is what a common-sense approach to immigration and citizenship would be seeking to answer and yet with Bill C-71 we are very far from getting answers to these questions.
Many people hearing my words today may have some questions of their own. How did we get to this point? How did we get to a point where a Liberal government can advance legislation that so clearly does not respond to the context that our country is living in? How did we get to a point where we can walk into the House of Commons and have legislation put in front of us that does not address the specific concerns that many Canadians of all backgrounds have about our current immigration levels?
That is fundamentally the result of what has been a concerted effort to stifle debate and criticism of immigration policy in the country. For a long time now, daring to ask a question about how immigration policy affects Canada, daring to criticize the Liberal status quo on immigration has gotten us smeared, labelled, name-called, fingers pointed in our face, people questioning whether we have compassion or concern for people of all sorts of different backgrounds and cultures. The reality is that they can finger-point all they want. They can do all the name-calling they want. They can do all the smearing they like. The reality is that we have a very specific purpose when we enter the House of Commons, which is to ask the fundamental question of what is best for Canada.
In order to apply that lens to Bill C-71, we would need those three critical pieces of information. Number one, how many people are entering the country? Number two, are there appropriate vetting mechanisms in place and background checks? Number three, what is the impact that increasing the population even further will have on our economy?
By not answering these questions, I have a very hard time understanding how any member in the House can say that this legislation is complete and deserving of a vote. In my view, this has failed every single measure of a logical, reasonable, common-sense immigration and citizenship standard, and that is why we must oppose it.
Last, I will say is this. Whether it is immigration policy, housing, citizenship, whatever it might be, it is imperative that we put the Canadian people first, and I do believe that this is a window into how that is not being met. Every time we vote in here, every time we come in here and debate a matter of legislation or policy, we should have at the top of mind the Canadian taxpayer, the Canadian who voted for us to be here to represent our local communities and represent our interests. The immigration status quo in our country is not doing what is best for Canada. With this legislation we are seeing a very clear example of that.
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- Sep/17/24 1:53:52 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, this will be the second consecutive Conservative that has spoken in regard to the immigration system as a whole and has tried to give glorification to Stephen Harper, who was a disaster on immigration. What those members are glorifying is the fact that Stephen Harper, for example, cancelled the sponsoring of parents and grandparents. They literally deleted hundreds of thousands of people who were under the process of becoming permanent residents.
If we want to talk about cold immigration policies, we should go back to the Conservative years. What is important is the mixture of immigrants who are coming for permanent residence. We have annual targets that are set. That annual target is going to be coming out again. We will find that there is a great benefit through immigration to Canada. The Conservatives of late are trying to give the impression that it is us versus them. We should be proud of the diversity. Look at the immigration programs—
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- Sep/17/24 1:55:02 p.m.
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I do have to allow for other questions.
The hon. member for Durham.
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Madam Speaker, this is exactly what I am talking about. We have Canadians of all backgrounds concerned about the high immigration levels, the fact that population growth has outpaced jobs, housing and social services. Once again, the Liberals go back to their old and tired playbook, of trying to point fingers, smear and accuse us of not caring about people. I hear from my constituents all the time, constituents from all different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds. They are concerned about the strain that population growth is having on our quality of life. That is why it is important that we ask serious questions about Bill C-71.
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Madam Speaker, what has become clear is that the Conservatives are refusing to acknowledge that Bill C-71 would restore the rights of Canadians that were taken away from them unconstitutionally 15 years ago by the Conservatives. That is what we are talking about. These are not immigrants. They are Canadians. They were deemed to be a lower class of Canadians by the Conservatives.
The Conservatives keep saying that the NDP and the Liberals voted with them on Bill C-37 15 years ago. Do members know why? It is because Stephen Harper, at that time, put out an edict and said that if the bill was not passed unanimously, it would mean that war veterans and war brides would go to their graves without citizenship, and that was wrong.
I wonder if the Conservatives will just take a moment to understand the history and understand that by voting against Bill C-71, they are denying once again Canadians the right to citizenship, unconstitutionally.
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Madam Speaker, members can make all the arguments they want in favour of Bill C-71, but why are none of our questions being answered? How many people? Where are the criminal background checks? Why can we not do an economic impact assessment? They should put it forward as part of their legislation, and at least have the respect, have the decency, to tell the Canadian people what impact these policies are going to have on our country and our communities. At least respect the Canadian people enough to give them that information.
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- Sep/17/24 1:57:57 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, that is an outrageous response. The member is talking about the very Canadians who have been denied their rights as though they are not Canadians. They do not have their Canadian citizenship because of an unconstitutional law created by the Conservatives.
Will the member recognize that second-generation family members born abroad are in fact Canadians, as recognized by the courts?
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Madam Speaker, I am very happy to recognize that the NDP-Liberals are advancing a watered-down and weak substantial connection test in Bill C-71. That is how they are rationalizing the continued population growth in our country, despite the fact that Canadians of all backgrounds believe that immigration levels are too high, that the influx of people coming into Canada is too high and that it is putting a constraint on our economy and our social services. Why will they not do what is best for Canada and stop being obsessed with making life harder for everyone in our country?
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- Sep/17/24 1:59:36 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, it is fall fair season in Kitchener—Conestoga. Our community always looks forward to the Wellesley Township Fall Fair, the New Hamburg Fall Fair and the upcoming Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival.
These fairs bring us a sense of nostalgia, connecting us with our roots and the values of hard work and community, which have defined Canadians for generations. Fairs help build connections between urban and rural communities, bridging the gap between farm and city. By showcasing the hard work and dedication of our farmers, they raise awareness about the importance of agriculture and inspire the next generation of farmers.
I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, boards, sponsors and agricultural societies for their dedication and support. Their efforts make these events possible and bring smiles to community members of all ages.
I will be joining friends and flipping pancakes at the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival on Saturday, September 28. I hope to see everyone there.
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- Sep/17/24 2:00:43 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, last weekend, nearly 200 people gathered for a fundraiser for the golf club that is now called the Club de golf de Saint‑Pamphile Matériaux Blanchet.
This is a first here in Canada: Four elected officials from various levels of government, namely, the mayor of Saint‑Pamphile, Mario Leblanc, the reeve of the L'Islet RCM and mayor of Saint‑Jean‑Port‑Joli, Normand Caron, the MNA for the riding of Côte‑du‑Sud, Mathieu Rivest, and I served as honorary co-chairs for this campaign, which raised nearly $400,000 thanks to the generosity of south shore residents and businesses.
This fundraising campaign would not have been possible were it not for the commitment of club volunteers, led by club president Marie‑Claude Lord and her team. This club also serves as a snowmobile rest stop and a community centre for Saint‑Pamphile and its surrounding communities. Their pride was palpable, and this was an important day for the community, for good reason.
When we all work toward the same goal, we can accomplish great things. I wish the Saint‑Pamphile Matériaux Blanchet golf club continued success.
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- Sep/17/24 2:01:56 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, millions of Canadians participated in the 44th annual Terry Fox Run. In Oakville, we were joined by retired police officer Blair Vintinner, who was driving the police car in the iconic black and white photo of Terry running into Oakville taken by Peter Martin in 1980. We celebrated 44 years of hope in Oakville by welcoming almost 2,000 people and raising over $180,000 so far.
Kim Shikaze participated in his 44th Terry Fox Run. Now an adult, Lisa Moody walked on her artificial leg, having survived the same cancer Terry had when she was just a young girl. For 15 years, Team Darrell has been our top fundraising team, raising over $22,000 again this year, and Unifor Local 707 came out in force for its first Oakville Terry Fox Run.
I thank all the volunteers, donors and participants for keeping Terry's legacy alive and ensuring that we continue to realize Terry's dream of a world without cancer.
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- Sep/17/24 2:03:06 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the memory of a great patriot, Rimouski's own Michel Dompierre, who sadly passed away on August 28 at the age of 78.
Michel was a talented photographer who spent more than 45 years immortalizing the magnificent landscapes of the Lower St. Lawrence on film. From La Pocatière to Routhierville, travelling on foot or by bicycle or car, nothing escaped this great artist's eye. His photographs came to symbolize Quebeckers' deep attachment to their regions and their nation. He showed the world the beauty of eastern Quebec, and for that, we are all very proud and grateful. His final gift was to bequeathe a trove of over 15,000 photos to Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec, Quebec's national library and archives. What a spectacular addition this will make to Quebec's regional cultural heritage.
I bid adieu to Michel Dompierre and thank him for everything.
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- Sep/17/24 2:04:15 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of a government that understands the importance of supporting our tourism businesses and that is stepping up to help.
This summer, I saw first-hand how the federal government's support is making a difference in my riding of Châteauguay—Lacolle, soon to be known as Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville, and how it is helping businesses like Parc Safari and organizations like Héritage Saint‑Bernard improve their service offerings and attract a broader, more diverse range of visitors from outside the region, the province and even the country.
I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of the teams at Parc Safari and Héritage Saint‑Bernard. These are the two biggest tourist attractions in Montérégie Ouest. Their initiatives, know‑how and commitment are raising our profile.
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- Sep/17/24 2:05:16 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, after nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Canadians are now working harder and longer to bring home less, if they can afford a home at all. Their purchasing power is shot, and many live in fear of crime and chaos.
Our country was built on the backs of the early risers, factory workers, soldiers, nurses, bakers, servers and night shift workers, who drive main street through their diligent hard work. It is their tax dollars, earned through blood, sweat and tears, that pay for the government's out-of-control spending.
However, there is hope on the horizon, a Canada where hard work is rewarded, where there is affordable food and housing in a safe neighbourhood, where everyone gets a fair shot at a good life. A common-sense Conservative government would axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
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- Sep/17/24 2:06:18 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of my good friend Allan Andrews, also known as the “Hockey Prof”.
As the founder of Andrews Hockey Growth Programs Inc., Allan impacted the lives of countless athletes around the world. Generations have benefited from his wisdom both on and off the ice and through his mentoring. His innovative curriculum has been emulated across the country and beyond. It was his unique combination of commitment to professional hockey development and personal human development that made Andrews Hockey Growth Programs Inc. successful. Numerous NHL players benefited from the program, including Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Richards and Adam McQuaid, to name a few.
Allan Andrews' many accomplishments earned him the Order of Canada in 2017, and he was later inducted into the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame.
I would like to extend my condolences to his wife Lois and his family for their loss of Allan, and I thank Allan for his immeasurable contribution to the sport of hockey and to the personal development of many young aspiring athletes.
To Al I say we will continue to dream big.
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- Sep/17/24 2:07:24 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Jina Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman who was tragically killed by the Iranian regime two years ago. Mahsa's tragic death lit a fire of resistance across Iran and galvanized support around the world. Let me assure members that the torch of opposing gender apartheid continues to shine bright within Iran.
As on other occasions in the last two years, large demonstrations in support of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement have taken place across Canada in the last few days. I am proud to state that more than any other country's government, our government has listened to the demands of protesters. Canada has revised a variety of policies to support courageous Iranians in their just cause. However, our work is not done. We need to continue to support the democratic aspirations of the courageous people of Iran.
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- Sep/17/24 2:08:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the great people of Toronto—St. Paul's for putting their trust in me and standing up to be counted. I thank my daughters Leah and Charlotte for their support and making my life easy. I give a special thanks to my campaign team, led by Amanda Philp, with Sadaf Rostami, Harrison Rotman and a nationwide list of volunteers. Finally, without the encouragement of my partner Andrea, none of this would have been possible.
We have shown what is possible. Toronto—St. Paul's is just the beginning of Canadians choosing common sense. After nine years of the NDP-Liberals, taxes are up, costs are up, crime is up and time is up. Canadians know the Liberal Prime Minister is not worth the cost. Canadians know the NDP leader is in it for his pension. While Canadians pay the price of costly NDP-Liberal policies, only common-sense Conservatives would axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget and stop the crime.
Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
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- Sep/17/24 2:09:25 p.m.
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I ask all hon. members, while members are making their very special Standing Order 31 statements, to please not interrupt them. They use this opportunity to reach people in their homes, and I know everyone will want to extend this courtesy to others.
The hon. member for Scarborough—Agincourt.
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- Sep/17/24 2:09:51 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, today, we join millions around the world in celebrating the mid-autumn festival, also known as the moon festival or moon-cake festival. Not only is it an important celebration in Chinese culture, but similar celebrations are held by Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities.
This special day brings together family and friends. Thousands of people in Scarborough—Agincourt will be celebrating by lighting beautiful lanterns and sharing delicious moon-cakes, which symbolize unity, gratitude and prosperity. I can confirm that our local retailers are always well stocked to meet the demand. Come and support our local businesses.
I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful mid-autumn festival.
[Member spoke in Cantonese and Mandarin and provided the following translation:]
Happy mid-autumn festival.
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