Kelloway supports Canada’s drive for national sovereignty by advancing legislation that strengthens maritime trade corridors and establishes domestic space launch capabilities. He makes his case with intense commitment, framing these economic efforts as fundamental to the country’s destiny: “it is a decision about whether Canada will be a country that launches or a country that watches from the sidelines.”Written by AI from their statements. Updated .
Average grade
C+
The average grade of 31 analysed statements. 8 more were analysed but were too short to grade.
67 / 100 over 31 statements
Signal62 / 100
Relevance60 / 100
Reasoning70 / 100
Respect100 / 100
Clarity78 / 100
Averaged over the 31 of 39 statements graded so far.
In their own words
Loses points more than most for
A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.1.7 times as often as most members.What the tags mean →×1.7
“This bill changes how we review projects, not our standards for them. We have a duty to consult First Nations. Big projects need First Nations as partners.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the many questions on this topic. The reality is that this legislation is not about changing standards; it is about changing processes. That is a key distinction in this legislation. We take on a special duty. Our special duty is to focus on the duty to consult, but deeper than that, the reality is that projects from coast to coast to coast not only need first nations buy-in but need first nations partnerships.”
Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the many questions on this topic. The reality is that this legislation is not about changing standards; it is about changing processes. That is a key distinction in this legislation. We take on a special duty. Our special duty is to focus on the duty to consult, but deeper than that, the reality is that projects from coast to coast to coast not only need first nations buy-in but need first nations partnerships.
“We are investing in workers across the aviation, rail, and port sectors. I want the opposition to support our work.”
“Mr. Speaker, when we think about transport, what we are doing within the ministry and within the department is build up our human capital and investment, whether it is in the aviation sector, the rail sector or the port sector. When we look at the level and depth of what we are doing, as I said before to one of the last questions, I wish the members opposite would join us.”
Mr. Speaker, when we think about transport, what we are doing within the ministry and within the department is build up our human capital and investment, whether it is in the aviation sector, the rail sector or the port sector. When we look at the level and depth of what we are doing, as I said before to one of the last questions, I wish the members opposite would join us.
“I want the Conservatives to support our rail project. It will add up to $35 billion to our economy, create 52,000 jobs, connect towns and cities, and pollute less.”
“Mr. Speaker, it has been said time and again, because it is true, that this project is generational and transformative. Let us talk about the numbers: boosting the GDP by up to $35 billion and creating 52,000 jobs. This is not to mention that the environmental footprint is much lower with trains. It is also connecting rural, connecting urban and creating community wealth. That is what we are about on this side. We would like the Conservatives to join us.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, it has been said time and again, because it is true, that this project is generational and transformative. Let us talk about the numbers: boosting the GDP by up to $35 billion and creating 52,000 jobs. This is not to mention that the environmental footprint is much lower with trains. It is also connecting rural, connecting urban and creating community wealth. That is what we are about on this side. We would like the Conservatives to join us.
“Our rules protect passengers while keeping safety first. Airlines must make their own safety choices and follow the rules. We expect them to give passengers clear, accurate information when flights are delayed or cancelled.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada’s air passenger protection rules are designed to protect passengers while recognizing that safety must always come first. Airlines are responsible for making operational and safety decisions and applying regulations appropriately. We expect airlines to apply the rules responsibly and provide passengers with clear, accurate information about flight delays and cancellations.”
Mr. Speaker, Canada’s air passenger protection rules are designed to protect passengers while recognizing that safety must always come first. Airlines are responsible for making operational and safety decisions and applying regulations appropriately. We expect airlines to apply the rules responsibly and provide passengers with clear, accurate information about flight delays and cancellations.
“The opposition member should focus on real issues like jobs and affordability in Atlantic Canada. We are investing in energy and fisheries projects there. The Conservatives should join us in supporting these efforts.”
“Mr. Speaker, what is quite extraordinary is that it probably took the member a week to come up with that question. The reality is he should be talking about Churchill Falls and Bay du Nord. He should be talking about investments in the Atlantic fisheries fund, things that impact Atlantic Canadians in terms of job and affordability. We are building Canada up in Atlantic Canada, taking the lead. It is time that he and other folks on that side, especially in their Atlantic caucus, join us.”
Mr. Speaker, what is quite extraordinary is that it probably took the member a week to come up with that question. The reality is he should be talking about Churchill Falls and Bay du Nord. He should be talking about investments in the Atlantic fisheries fund, things that impact Atlantic Canadians in terms of job and affordability. We are building Canada up in Atlantic Canada, taking the lead. It is time that he and other folks on that side, especially in their Atlantic caucus, join us.
“Canada needs to launch its own rockets instead of relying on other countries. That is why we are investing in the space launch site in Canso. This is not just for Liberal insiders. It is supported by the local municipality, First Nations, and Conservative leaders like Premier Tim Houston and Peter MacKay.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will say what I believe will happen next. It is that we will effectively be involved and leading the way in the space industry. The question we need to ask is this. Does Canada want to build its own sovereign space launch capability, or does it want to remain dependent on others for access? Lastly, the member opposite, whom I have a great deal of respect for, talked about Liberal insiders. The municipality of Guysborough supports this; the Liberal insider Premier Tim Houston supports this; and in fact, the co-founder of the modern-day Conservative Party, Peter MacKay, supports this, along with first nations in and around Guysborough County. We are actively involved in and investing in this. Of course we are, because we believe in Nova Scotia, the people in Nova Scotia, and we believe that we can lead the way in Canso for the rest of Canada.”
Mr. Speaker, I will say what I believe will happen next. It is that we will effectively be involved and leading the way in the space industry. The question we need to ask is this. Does Canada want to build its own sovereign space launch capability, or does it want to remain dependent on others for access? Lastly, the member opposite, whom I have a great deal of respect for, talked about Liberal insiders. The municipality of Guysborough supports this; the Liberal insider Premier Tim Houston supports this; and in fact, the co-founder of the modern-day Conservative Party, Peter MacKay, supports this, along with first nations in and around Guysborough County. We are actively involved in and investing in this. Of course we are, because we believe in Nova Scotia, the people in Nova Scotia, and we believe that we can lead the way in Canso for the rest of Canada.
“Canada needs to be able to launch its own rockets for national defence and to rely less on other countries. Our 10-year, $200-million deal with Maritime Launch Services in Nova Scotia is the fastest, lowest-risk way to do that. At least $180 million of that money must be spent in Canada. We moved quickly on the contract and the first payment so the launch site can open sooner and rocket research can begin next summer.”
“Mr. Speaker, the question is not whether Canada should invest in a sovereign space launch capability. The question is, rather, how to develop this capability and the role it will play in strengthening Canada’s national defence and, indeed, our economic future. The defence industrial strategy marks a major turning point in how Canada approaches defence procurement, innovation and industrial development. At the heart of this strategy, space launch is clearly defined as a sovereign capability essential to Canada’s long-term security and autonomy. Last year, the Department of National Defence assessed Canadian options for developing a sovereign launch capability. In doing so, DND considered a range of factors, including regulatory readiness, the suitability of various locations, alignment with defence research and development, Canada’s launch the north rocket challenge, the ability to launch payloads into orbit and the proximity to military and industrial assets. The objective is straightforward. We want to establish a sovereign launch capability as quickly and effectively as possible to support Canadian industry and avoid unnecessary delays and costs along the way. We are also committing to reduce our reliance on out-of-country providers as we strengthen Canada’s strategic autonomy. That is why our government selected a partnership-based model. Perhaps the clearest demonstration of Canada’s commitment to a sovereign space capability is through our partnership with Maritime Launch Services. Canada has secured access to an existing launch site near Canso, Nova Scotia, which I know very well, through a 10-year, $200-million agreement signed in January. The agreement also supports the construction of critical launch infrastructure and essential services required to establish domestic launch capability. We believe this approach will reduce delivery timelines, mitigate risk and provide a more cost-effective path to achieve results. Beyond its defence and security benefits, the agreement includes contract milestones, reporting requirements and oversight provisions that link continued funding to demonstrated results. At its core, the investment is about strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, enhancing defence readiness and building long-term economic opportunity. In fact, the contract requires that at least 90% of these public funds, or $180 million, be spent with Canadian businesses or in Canada. This ensures that the vast majority of funding is invested and reinvested in Canadian workers, Canadian companies, Canadian expertise and Canada’s defence industrial base. The member also raised the question of timing of the lease, the signing date of the contract and the payment of $20 million for the first year of the term, so let me speak about that as well. We took each of these steps for two reasons: first, to accelerate the spaceport’s path to fully operational status; and second, to enable the launch the north rocket research and development activities to begin as early as next summer. This project is part of a broad effort to expand our space capabilities in order to support the Canadian Armed Forces and defend Canada. All of this is done while ensuring that Canadians benefit and Canada benefits from economic spinoffs. I will conclude by saying we are at a moment in time when we want to be not just actively involved in the space industry but leading it. It is investments like the ones I mentioned and the strategy that we have put in place that will enable us to lead the way. We do that with partners, with provinces, municipalities, the private sector and first nations, and that is what this project is all about.”
Mr. Speaker, the question is not whether Canada should invest in a sovereign space launch capability. The question is, rather, how to develop this capability and the role it will play in strengthening Canada’s national defence and, indeed, our economic future. The defence industrial strategy marks a major turning point in how Canada approaches defence procurement, innovation and industrial development. At the heart of this strategy, space launch is clearly defined as a sovereign capability essential to Canada’s long-term security and autonomy. Last year, the Department of National Defence assessed Canadian options for developing a sovereign launch capability. In doing so, DND considered a range of factors, including regulatory readiness, the suitability of various locations, alignment with defence research and development, Canada’s launch the north rocket challenge, the ability to launch payloads into orbit and the proximity to military and industrial assets. The objective is straightforward. We want to establish a sovereign launch capability as quickly and effectively as possible to support Canadian industry and avoid unnecessary delays and costs along the way. We are also committing to reduce our reliance on out-of-country providers as we strengthen Canada’s strategic autonomy. That is why our government selected a partnership-based model. Perhaps the clearest demonstration of Canada’s commitment to a sovereign space capability is through our partnership with Maritime Launch Services. Canada has secured access to an existing launch site near Canso, Nova Scotia, which I know very well, through a 10-year, $200-million agreement signed in January. The agreement also supports the construction of critical launch infrastructure and essential services required to establish domestic launch capability. We believe this approach will reduce delivery timelines, mitigate risk and provide a more cost-effective path to achieve results. Beyond its defence and security benefits, the agreement includes contract milestones, reporting requirements and oversight provisions that link continued funding to demonstrated results. At its core, the investment is about strengthening Canada’s sovereignty, enhancing defence readiness and building long-term economic opportunity. In fact, the contract requires that at least 90% of these public funds, or $180 million, be spent with Canadian businesses or in Canada. This ensures that the vast majority of funding is invested and reinvested in Canadian workers, Canadian companies, Canadian expertise and Canada’s defence industrial base. The member also raised the question of timing of the lease, the signing date of the contract and the payment of $20 million for the first year of the term, so let me speak about that as well. We took each of these steps for two reasons: first, to accelerate the spaceport’s path to fully operational status; and second, to enable the launch the north rocket research and development activities to begin as early as next summer. This project is part of a broad effort to expand our space capabilities in order to support the Canadian Armed Forces and defend Canada. All of this is done while ensuring that Canadians benefit and Canada benefits from economic spinoffs. I will conclude by saying we are at a moment in time when we want to be not just actively involved in the space industry but leading it. It is investments like the ones I mentioned and the strategy that we have put in place that will enable us to lead the way. We do that with partners, with provinces, municipalities, the private sector and first nations, and that is what this project is all about.
“This bill does not lower environmental standards. Our duty to consult First Nations remains very important, and we need to work with them more. This bill is about building the country with Canadian workers.”
“Madam Speaker, this is not about changing standards. The standards remain high on the environment. The duty to consult first nations is absolutely, as I mentioned the other day, sacrosanct. It is what we need to do. We need to do more of it. There needs to be more partnership. This is about a generational and transformative initiative, this legislation, to build Canada strong and to build from coast to coast to coast with Canadian workers.”
Madam Speaker, this is not about changing standards. The standards remain high on the environment. The duty to consult first nations is absolutely, as I mentioned the other day, sacrosanct. It is what we need to do. We need to do more of it. There needs to be more partnership. This is about a generational and transformative initiative, this legislation, to build Canada strong and to build from coast to coast to coast with Canadian workers.
“Cape Breton recently held the 30th Celtic Colours International Festival. It celebrates our music, culture, and traditions. I want to thank and congratulate the performers, volunteers, organizers, and businesses who make it happen.”
“Madam Speaker, last week for nine days, Cape Breton Island was alive with the sounds of fiddles, step-dancing, singing and celebration. This year marks the 30th edition of the Celtic Colours International Festival. It is a remarkable celebration of the music, culture and traditions that make Cape Breton so special. Across our island, communities have opened their doors and welcomed musicians and visitors from near and far. What makes Celtic Colours truly a special event are the people behind it: the volunteers, performers, organizers, local businesses and families who share our island’s hospitality with the world. For 30 editions, this festival has helped preserve our traditions while introducing them to new generations. We thank everyone who contributed to this year’s festival for sharing the spirit of Cape Breton Island with Canada and the world. I congratulate them on 30 wonderful years.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, last week for nine days, Cape Breton Island was alive with the sounds of fiddles, step-dancing, singing and celebration. This year marks the 30th edition of the Celtic Colours International Festival. It is a remarkable celebration of the music, culture and traditions that make Cape Breton so special. Across our island, communities have opened their doors and welcomed musicians and visitors from near and far. What makes Celtic Colours truly a special event are the people behind it: the volunteers, performers, organizers, local businesses and families who share our island’s hospitality with the world. For 30 editions, this festival has helped preserve our traditions while introducing them to new generations. We thank everyone who contributed to this year’s festival for sharing the spirit of Cape Breton Island with Canada and the world. I congratulate them on 30 wonderful years.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It will start big projects that use Canadian businesses and materials. It will also create jobs for Canadian workers, including union members.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for the member, but we disagree here. This is the time to build and build now. Across the country, large-scale projects will employ Canadian people, will involve Canadian businesses and will use Canadian materials. The bill catalyzes all of that, and it is very important that we pass the bill because, in particular, when it comes to building Canada, we do that with unionized workers.”
Mr. Speaker, I have a great deal of respect for the member, but we disagree here. This is the time to build and build now. Across the country, large-scale projects will employ Canadian people, will involve Canadian businesses and will use Canadian materials. The bill catalyzes all of that, and it is very important that we pass the bill because, in particular, when it comes to building Canada, we do that with unionized workers.
“Temporarily pausing the tax on gas and diesel is part of our plan to lower costs for Canadians right now. We are taking practical steps to help people with high prices while building a stronger economy for the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel reflects our government’s balanced approach to delivering immediate cost relief through very targeted supports. Our government will continue to address affordability measures with fairness, discipline and a clear focus on the results for Canadians. We are helping Canadians manage today’s uncertainty and affordability challenges while building a stronger, more resilient and more independent economy. That means once again taking practical steps to lower costs while investing in long-term prosperity. Finally, I would like to say that, if the member is offering to travel to some of these places, I would take that invitation and join her. As a Cape Bretoner speaking to someone from Ontario, I would relish that opportunity.”
Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel reflects our government’s balanced approach to delivering immediate cost relief through very targeted supports. Our government will continue to address affordability measures with fairness, discipline and a clear focus on the results for Canadians. We are helping Canadians manage today’s uncertainty and affordability challenges while building a stronger, more resilient and more independent economy. That means once again taking practical steps to lower costs while investing in long-term prosperity. Finally, I would like to say that, if the member is offering to travel to some of these places, I would take that invitation and join her. As a Cape Bretoner speaking to someone from Ontario, I would relish that opportunity.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It keeps the federal tax off fuel until early 2027 to help Canadians and businesses with high living costs.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that Canadians are facing economic uncertainty as global instability and rising costs put pressure on household budgets. Tariffs imposed by our largest trading partner are having a significant impact on workers and businesses from coast to coast to coast. At the same time, conflict and instability in the Middle East have contributed to higher fuel prices around the world. In the face of these pressures, Canadians need relief, and our government has delivered. Last spring, we acted to ease the impact of the high fuel costs on Canadians. In April, after disruptions to crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz drove fuel prices even higher, our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax. This measure saved Canadians and Canadian businesses up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel. The cost savings were immediate. When the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax was first introduced, gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre on the first day of the implementation, delivering immediate results to consumers. With Bill C-38, we are continuing to provide relief at the pump by proposing to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027, and to apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively. This measure would help lower everyday costs for Canadians, including truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction and delivery sectors. In short, it would continue providing timely and meaningful relief when Canadians need it the most. We also recognize that groceries do not reach the store shelves on their own. In a country as vast as Canada, moving people and goods is essential and it depends heavily on diesel fuel. Higher diesel prices at the pump have also squeezed business margins by increasing the cost of bringing goods to market. The government remains in close contact with refiners as they maximize diesel production capacity to respond to current conditions. As our government has said many times, we remain focused on what we can control, including strengthening Canada’s economy, diversifying our international trade partnerships, managing public finances responsibly and supporting Canadians, who are facing rising costs on a daily basis. Across the country, Canadians are concerned about the cost of essentials, including fuel, food, housing and other basic necessities. Our government understands these pressures and is taking concrete, responsible action to provide relief while safeguarding Canada’s long-term economic stability. That action includes temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel.”
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that Canadians are facing economic uncertainty as global instability and rising costs put pressure on household budgets. Tariffs imposed by our largest trading partner are having a significant impact on workers and businesses from coast to coast to coast. At the same time, conflict and instability in the Middle East have contributed to higher fuel prices around the world. In the face of these pressures, Canadians need relief, and our government has delivered. Last spring, we acted to ease the impact of the high fuel costs on Canadians. In April, after disruptions to crude oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz drove fuel prices even higher, our government temporarily suspended the federal fuel excise tax. This measure saved Canadians and Canadian businesses up to 10¢ per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, up to 11¢ per litre on leaded aviation gasoline and up to four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel. The cost savings were immediate. When the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax was first introduced, gasoline prices declined by 11% per litre on the first day of the implementation, delivering immediate results to consumers. With Bill C-38, we are continuing to provide relief at the pump by proposing to extend the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax until and including January 31, 2027, and to apply 50% of the regular excise tax rate from February 1 through March 31, 2027, inclusively. This measure would help lower everyday costs for Canadians, including truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction and delivery sectors. In short, it would continue providing timely and meaningful relief when Canadians need it the most. We also recognize that groceries do not reach the store shelves on their own. In a country as vast as Canada, moving people and goods is essential and it depends heavily on diesel fuel. Higher diesel prices at the pump have also squeezed business margins by increasing the cost of bringing goods to market. The government remains in close contact with refiners as they maximize diesel production capacity to respond to current conditions. As our government has said many times, we remain focused on what we can control, including strengthening Canada’s economy, diversifying our international trade partnerships, managing public finances responsibly and supporting Canadians, who are facing rising costs on a daily basis. Across the country, Canadians are concerned about the cost of essentials, including fuel, food, housing and other basic necessities. Our government understands these pressures and is taking concrete, responsible action to provide relief while safeguarding Canada’s long-term economic stability. That action includes temporarily suspending the excise tax on gasoline and diesel.
“This bill makes bail and sentences tougher for repeat and violent offenders. We are also hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers and spending $1.3 billion to protect our borders and stop illegal drugs. We are taking real action to make communities safer.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act directly targets repeat and violent offenders with stricter bail and sentencing changes. At the same time, and I want to reiterate this, the government is hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers and investing $1.3 billion to secure our borders and to stop illegal drugs before they reach our streets. That is real action, and that is a government that is choosing results, with stronger laws, stronger enforcement and safer communities.”
Mr. Speaker, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act directly targets repeat and violent offenders with stricter bail and sentencing changes. At the same time, and I want to reiterate this, the government is hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers and investing $1.3 billion to secure our borders and to stop illegal drugs before they reach our streets. That is real action, and that is a government that is choosing results, with stronger laws, stronger enforcement and safer communities.
“Our bill makes communities safer. It makes it harder for repeat violent offenders to get bail, and it makes sentences tougher. We are also hiring 1,000 new RCMP workers and spending $1.3 billion to add 1,000 border security staff. Tougher laws and more officers are how we stop crime.”
“Mr. Speaker, people in Canada have been clear that they want their communities to be safe, that repeat violent offenders should be dealt with firmly and that the justice system must work to protect victims. That is exactly what the government is delivering through the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, formerly Bill C-14. The issues raised by my colleague are indeed serious. Organized crime, fentanyl trafficking and repeat offending cause real harm, but slogans about “catch and release” do not fix the problem. Careful, targeted reform does. That is what the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act has delivered. At its core, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is about focusing the system where the risks are the highest. It has strengthened bail laws for repeat and violent offenders by clarifying that public safety must be central in decision-making. It has expanded the use of reverse onus provisions to address specific high-risk offences where the accused must demonstrate why they should be released. This is not an automatic detention, but it is a clear shift to ensure that those who pose the greatest danger face stricter scrutiny before being granted bail. The act also aims to improve the quality of bail decisions. Courts are now required to more rigorously assess release plans. Accused persons who are subject to a reverse onus will have to clearly demonstrate that their proposed plan addresses the risk they pose as it relates to the grounds of detention. This matters because Canadians have seen cases where conditions were imposed but not effective in managing risk. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act addresses these issues directly. On sentencing, the legislation introduces new aggravating factors and requires consecutive sentences in certain circumstances. This reinforces accountability and sends a message of denunciation and deterrence. However, legislation alone is not enough. Public safety depends on enforcement capacity, and the government is making those investments. The government is hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel to strengthen federal policing across our country. These officers will enhance our ability to combat organized crime networks, financial crime, online exploitation and drug trafficking operations, like those referenced by the member opposite. At the border, the government is making one of the largest security investments in recent history, $1.3 billion, to strengthen Canada’s borders and immigration system. This includes hiring 800 new border services officers as well as 200 additional personnel in critical roles such as intelligence, enforcement and investigations. These are the very people who intercept illegal drugs, disrupt smuggling operations and protect our communities before harm occurs. This is a comprehensive strategy: stronger laws, stronger enforcement and smarter prevention. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is not about rhetoric. It is about results. It targets repeat and violent offenders, strengthens bail and sentencing, and backs it up with historic investments in policing and border security. That is how we protect people in Canada, and that is how we build a safer community for all.”
Mr. Speaker, people in Canada have been clear that they want their communities to be safe, that repeat violent offenders should be dealt with firmly and that the justice system must work to protect victims. That is exactly what the government is delivering through the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, formerly Bill C-14. The issues raised by my colleague are indeed serious. Organized crime, fentanyl trafficking and repeat offending cause real harm, but slogans about “catch and release” do not fix the problem. Careful, targeted reform does. That is what the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act has delivered. At its core, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is about focusing the system where the risks are the highest. It has strengthened bail laws for repeat and violent offenders by clarifying that public safety must be central in decision-making. It has expanded the use of reverse onus provisions to address specific high-risk offences where the accused must demonstrate why they should be released. This is not an automatic detention, but it is a clear shift to ensure that those who pose the greatest danger face stricter scrutiny before being granted bail. The act also aims to improve the quality of bail decisions. Courts are now required to more rigorously assess release plans. Accused persons who are subject to a reverse onus will have to clearly demonstrate that their proposed plan addresses the risk they pose as it relates to the grounds of detention. This matters because Canadians have seen cases where conditions were imposed but not effective in managing risk. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act addresses these issues directly. On sentencing, the legislation introduces new aggravating factors and requires consecutive sentences in certain circumstances. This reinforces accountability and sends a message of denunciation and deterrence. However, legislation alone is not enough. Public safety depends on enforcement capacity, and the government is making those investments. The government is hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel to strengthen federal policing across our country. These officers will enhance our ability to combat organized crime networks, financial crime, online exploitation and drug trafficking operations, like those referenced by the member opposite. At the border, the government is making one of the largest security investments in recent history, $1.3 billion, to strengthen Canada’s borders and immigration system. This includes hiring 800 new border services officers as well as 200 additional personnel in critical roles such as intelligence, enforcement and investigations. These are the very people who intercept illegal drugs, disrupt smuggling operations and protect our communities before harm occurs. This is a comprehensive strategy: stronger laws, stronger enforcement and smarter prevention. The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act is not about rhetoric. It is about results. It targets repeat and violent offenders, strengthens bail and sentencing, and backs it up with historic investments in policing and border security. That is how we protect people in Canada, and that is how we build a safer community for all.
“I support this bill. It does not lower our standards. It only changes the process so we can build projects while still working with First Nations and protecting our country.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, building Canada strong is focused on building Canada strong, working with every region and working with first nations. It is not just about the duty to consult. It is the right thing to do, working together to build up the country. By the way, if we look at the bill, it is not about changing standards. That is sacrosanct. What it is about is changing processes. We can do both and we will do both.”
Mr. Speaker, indeed, building Canada strong is focused on building Canada strong, working with every region and working with first nations. It is not just about the duty to consult. It is the right thing to do, working together to build up the country. By the way, if we look at the bill, it is not about changing standards. That is sacrosanct. What it is about is changing processes. We can do both and we will do both.
“We need to modernize our airports. This will create jobs and help businesses compete. The government is not giving away land or assets. Our goal is to invest in regional airports across Canada to connect everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, indeed, it is important now more than ever to modernize airports. We are looking at modernizing airports. That will make them competitive, employ Canadians and do more business within those airports. We are not talking about the Government of Canada giving up land and other assets. I will say this. For the member and other members around who have regional airports, the idea is to do well here so we can invest around Canada in regional airports and connect every Canadian.”
Mr. Speaker, indeed, it is important now more than ever to modernize airports. We are looking at modernizing airports. That will make them competitive, employ Canadians and do more business within those airports. We are not talking about the Government of Canada giving up land and other assets. I will say this. For the member and other members around who have regional airports, the idea is to do well here so we can invest around Canada in regional airports and connect every Canadian.
“Ferries are important to British Columbia and to Canada. The provincial government runs BC Ferries, but the federal government already gives a lot of money to help run them. We will keep supporting them when it makes sense.”
“Madam Speaker, the marine sector on the west coast is important to this Canadian government. We want a productive, efficient and effective marine sector. When it comes to ferries in British Columbia, it is a Crown corporation, BC Ferries, that is regulated by the province. We do provide substantial monies toward operating, but we will be on the side of BC Ferries where it makes sense because it is important to British Columbians and, for that matter, its important to Canadians.”
Madam Speaker, the marine sector on the west coast is important to this Canadian government. We want a productive, efficient and effective marine sector. When it comes to ferries in British Columbia, it is a Crown corporation, BC Ferries, that is regulated by the province. We do provide substantial monies toward operating, but we will be on the side of BC Ferries where it makes sense because it is important to British Columbians and, for that matter, its important to Canadians.
“I want to congratulate Bruce Clark on his retirement after 38 years at the Nova Scotia Community College and thank him for his years of service to our community.”
“Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Bruce Clark of Glace Bay, who has retired from the Nova Scotia Community College after 38 years of dedicated service, where he made a difference contributing to students, colleagues and our community. Bruce has spent decades serving the people of Cape Breton, including as mayor of Glace Bay from 1981 to 1988. Bruce is a true leader in our community, and I am grateful to call him a mentor and a friend. On behalf of the residents of Sydney—Glace Bay, I want to thank Bruce, his wife Jane and the Clark family for their many years of service and congratulate him on his retirement. I congratulate Bruce and send best wishes for his next chapter.”
Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Bruce Clark of Glace Bay, who has retired from the Nova Scotia Community College after 38 years of dedicated service, where he made a difference contributing to students, colleagues and our community. Bruce has spent decades serving the people of Cape Breton, including as mayor of Glace Bay from 1981 to 1988. Bruce is a true leader in our community, and I am grateful to call him a mentor and a friend. On behalf of the residents of Sydney—Glace Bay, I want to thank Bruce, his wife Jane and the Clark family for their many years of service and congratulate him on his retirement. I congratulate Bruce and send best wishes for his next chapter.
“Our country is at a turning point. We need all parties to work together to solve our problems, because negativity does not build anything.”
“Madam Speaker, I will go back to Cape Breton for a second to tie this together. My father was in charge of mine rescue for about 35 years. He trained the individuals who went underground to save or recover folks, and he often talked about the idea that crisis reveals character. I see with leadership here in the House and leadership outside of the House, and I will give former prime minister Harper his due, that crisis reveals character. We are at an inflection point in this country that requires all of us to come together and work together. That does not mean we cannot be questioned, but cynicism never created a business, cynicism never built a house, cynicism never fed a hungry child and cynicism is not what is going to build this country.”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, I will go back to Cape Breton for a second to tie this together. My father was in charge of mine rescue for about 35 years. He trained the individuals who went underground to save or recover folks, and he often talked about the idea that crisis reveals character. I see with leadership here in the House and leadership outside of the House, and I will give former prime minister Harper his due, that crisis reveals character. We are at an inflection point in this country that requires all of us to come together and work together. That does not mean we cannot be questioned, but cynicism never created a business, cynicism never built a house, cynicism never fed a hungry child and cynicism is not what is going to build this country.
“We need this bill to help our economy grow. To do that, we must work with provinces, businesses, and union workers, who built this country.”
“Madam Speaker, one thing that seems to be missing over the last four days is the “why”. Why are we doing this? The Prime Minister spoke to it at Davos when he talked about a rupture in the economy and how the only thing we can control is what we can control as a country. That means working with the provinces, with Canadian businesses and indeed with Canadian workers to ensure that we are evolving our economy and putting the steps in place to make sure that happens. That does not happen without Canadian workers, unionized workers. I come from Cape Breton Island. Cape Breton Island was built on unionized workers; so was Canada and so will Canada.”
Madam Speaker, one thing that seems to be missing over the last four days is the “why”. Why are we doing this? The Prime Minister spoke to it at Davos when he talked about a rupture in the economy and how the only thing we can control is what we can control as a country. That means working with the provinces, with Canadian businesses and indeed with Canadian workers to ensure that we are evolving our economy and putting the steps in place to make sure that happens. That does not happen without Canadian workers, unionized workers. I come from Cape Breton Island. Cape Breton Island was built on unionized workers; so was Canada and so will Canada.
