“I want to limit debate on this bill. I don't want MPs to have more than one day to talk about it at report stage. I want to limit third reading debate to five hours. I want to make sure the bill gets passed quickly without too many changes or delays.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Protecting Victims Act
A large bill amending many criminal laws, focused on child protection and gender-based violence. Changes include new or expanded criminal offenses like coercive control of intimate partners, femicide, non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and child sex trafficking. It also amends procedures for sexual offense trials and victims rights. In debate, the opposition accused the government of rushing the bill and limiting discussion, while the government insisted the changes are urgently needed to save lives and prevent violence.
“I want to call the Liberals hypocrites on time allocation. I'm going to criticize the Prime Minister's messaging and call some Conservatives cowards.”
“Fine. different word. They're still bad people.”
“I want more debate and witnesses for the bill. The other party won't let us talk more and call more people to speak. Their leader says he wants to work with everyone, but his minister is doing the opposite. I don't like that.”
“I want to pass this bill quickly. I'm open to ideas from other parties. We've worked with some of them before. But now, there are problems that need fixing soon, like deepfakes. We should hurry up and protect people.”
“The Liberals promised to work together. But now, they're shutting down committees and hiding information. I want more transparency and real collaboration, not just the government forcing its own way.”
“I don't agree we're not collaborating. This bill has ideas from your party and others. We should pass this bill to help protect people, especially from sexual crimes. Why delay? Let's pass this today.”
“You're cutting off debate again. That's undemocratic. I tried to fix a specific loophole on child pornography after the Supreme Court struck it down. Will you ever use the notwithstanding clause to protect children from predators and close this loophole for good?”
“I don't like that you said we didn't allow enough debate. You wasted time at committee. Your delays are why we aren't done yet. You chose to talk about silly things instead of how to protect people. I think your idea wouldn't work as well because the part you want us to use expires in five years.”
“I'm arguing my bill is good. I want you to think it has broad support. I'm citing other MPs to make my bill look good, not engaging with the specific criticism.”
“That's terrible. I want you to get mad about it. I think if I mention something bad happening, it will pressure you to pass my bill quickly without looking too closely.”
“I want to pass my bill because something bad is happening. If I repeat how bad it is, maybe you'll pass it too.”
“I don't like it when debates are cut short. But I support this bill anyway. Too bad they didn't take my idea though. Maybe they can add it next time. I'd like a whole new bill to stop people from being mean to old folks.”
“I want this bill to pass now. Adding ideas for other problems might slow it down. Maybe we can talk about that other problem later though.”
“Bill C-16 is a nice distraction. I want to talk about Bailey's Law and sex offences against children. The Liberals should pass Bailey's Law now. Also, stop misquoting me.”
“I wish the Senate would pass Bailey's Law already. Then maybe we could get back to the other bill. I want to contradict your version of events to make you look bad. Let me fish out the video that makes my point.”
“I want to keep talking. The real reason the Liberals want to end debate is because they want a holiday. I don't actually talk about the bill. I talk mostly about what should be debated.”
“I want this bill to pass quickly because it will protect victims of violence. The Conservatives are delaying the bill by talking too much. I would rather work hard to protect my constituents than go on vacation.”
“I want to criticize the Conservatives for delaying many bills, not just this one. They delay bills too often and no one will notice when they have a real concern. Maybe the Conservatives should save their delay tactics for when they really need them.”
“We warned the Conservatives that filibustering would delay protections for victims. The Conservatives didn't listen. They caused the delay. That's why we must pass this bill now instead of waiting a few months. I want to blame the Conservatives for the delay and say they don't really care about victims.”