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MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Wade Grant

Liberal Vancouver Quadra 23 statements translated

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Grant serves as parliamentary secretary for environment and climate change, defending the government’s climate plan, including the $3.8-billion nature strategy to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, and answering on files from oil sands tailings to veteran employment. He often opens with greetings rather than points — “it is an honour to rise early on a Thursday morning” — and makes open-ended pledges to “keep working with partners” without dates or measures. He answers questions on the topic asked.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

Average grade
B
77 / 100 over 23 statements
Signal 72 / 100
Relevance 83 / 100
Respect 100 / 100
Clarity 82 / 100
Averaged over the 23 of 23 statements graded so far.

In their own words

Loses points more than most for

Greetings and pleasantries.5.1 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×5.1

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.3.1 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×3.1

A story that illustrates instead of making a point.3 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×3.0

Loses points less than most for Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.Less often than most members.What the tags mean Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate.Less often than most members.What the tags mean

Statements 23

Oral Questions ·

The Environment

In response to a question from Leah Gazan

“I disagree that our government is bad for the environment. We use the best science and standards. We are working to fight climate change, double our clean electricity, and spend billions of dollars to protect nature, oceans, and wildlife.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have to disagree. We have the best science, we have the best standards and we are going to keep to them. I am always pleased to work with all of my colleagues here as we move forward to fight climate change and protect the environment. We have introduced the national electricity strategy, we are going to double the electrical grid by 2030, we have invested $3.8 billion in the nature strategy to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030, and we have invested $1.2 billion to protect oceans, marine conservation, whales and indigenous partnership.

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Government Orders ·

Safe Social Media Act

In response to a question from Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault

“I worry about my young daughter. I want the member to explain how laws like this will actually protect our children.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it always good to listen to my friend from Whitby. I know that he has three young daughters. I only have one young daughter, and I am always worried about her. He has been talking about the worry he has. When we move forward with laws like this, how do they ensure that he and his daughters, and any future children he may have, are protected?

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In response to a question from Will Greaves

“I have a young daughter. Parents will appreciate this bill. Why does the member support it, and how will it help him as a parent as his daughter grows up?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I am a father of a young girl. She has grown up in the days of the digital age. This proposed act is one that will really be appreciated by parents like him. Why does he approve of this measure and how would it make him feel better as a parent as his daughter grows up?

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In response to a question from Garnett Genuis

“Parents cannot protect their children from the dangers of social media all the time. I want the member to explain how this bill would protect children.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I too grew up in an era that did not have the Internet. All we had was a land line, which we used to phone our friends to talk to them. However, I am the father of two young children. My daughter is now 15, and, of course, she is exposed to things like social media. I have seen things that I have never had to deal with. I wish I could protect her 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but unfortunately we cannot do that. The member talked about protecting children. I have heard it from a lot of parents. He has probably heard it from a lot of parents. Can he expand on how he feels this bill would protect them going forward?

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Oral Questions ·

Parks Canada

In response to a question from William Stevenson

“We value federal workers. We will keep protecting our environment, preparing for emergencies, and keeping national parks safe and well managed.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 47 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we thank the federal public service employees for their dedication and deeply value their critical role in protecting Canadians. We need to continue to protect Canadians’ nature, environment and emergency preparedness. We continue to ensure Canada’s national parks and heritage are preserved, safe and managed right to serve both Canadians and our environment, and we will continue to do that.

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Adjournment Proceedings ·

Adjournment Proceedings

In response to a question from Gord Johns

“The government did not renew this policy because the job market has changed. We still help veterans find good careers through our other programs, and we will keep working with our partners to support them.”

  • Reply to a debate question

    Relevance 45 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the government understands and appreciates its long and valued relationship with the Corps of Commissionaires. The decision to not renew the RFR policy reflects the evolving labour market and the need to ensure that policies remain effective and aligned with today’s realities. With a national veterans employment strategy, along with other supports available through Veterans Affairs Canada, the government is broadening opportunities for veterans across the Canadian economy, helping them transition into meaningful careers and ensuring employers can fully benefit from their skills and expertise. We remain firmly committed to veteran employment and will keep working with partners, including the Corps of Commissionaires, to support this objective.

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In response to a question from Gord Johns

“We are ending the rule that gave the Corps of Commissionaires first choice for federal security jobs. Under that rule, at least 60% of the work hours had to go to veterans. The Corps has missed that target since 2013, dropping to just 27% recently. Times have changed since 1945. We now help veterans get training and good jobs across many modern fields, not just in building security.”

  • Reply to a debate question

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise early on a Thursday morning. There is no doubt in my mind that I knew that my hon. colleague would show up for this early show. I appreciate this opportunity to speak today on the government’s behalf as we debate the very important issue of veteran employment. The Corps of Commissionaires has a long history with the Government of Canada, going back to 1945 when it began providing security guard services in federally owned or operated buildings across the country. Back then, with thousands of veterans returning from the Second World War, it was crucial for the federal government to help them translate their military skills into stable employment, while also meeting growing security needs across federal sites. The Corps of Commissionaires addressed these dual issues as one. Its members were largely former service personnel whose training, discipline and experience made them ideally suited to safeguard federal properties and infrastructure. Thus was born the arrangement to give the Commissionaires priority access to federal guarding contracts, commonly called the right of first refusal, RFR. This reflected a post-war commitment to veteran reintegration delivered through the practical tools of federal procurement. On April 1, 2023, Veterans Affairs Canada implemented the policy of procurement of guard services to continue the RFR until March 31, 2026. During these years, VAC completed a reassessment of the policy and its requirements, engaged with stakeholders and evaluated the RFR’s continued relevance in supporting veteran employment. The policy was then extended for one more year, until March 31, 2027, with the understanding that it would end as of April 1 next year. It is important to note that one of the main stipulations of the arrangement is that veterans are to work a minimum of 60% of all hours worked under RFR contracts. Since at least 2013 to 2014, the corps has not been meeting the standard. Reports it has regularly submitted have confirmed a continuous decline in the number of veterans working under the RFR and that they are well below the required 60% benchmark. In fact, in Q1 of the 2025-26 fiscal year, that number had fallen to only 27%. The RFR was designed to respond to a very specific post-war context that has evolved considerably over the past 80 years. The government must therefore ensure that its approach to veteran employment reflects today’s realities. We know that veterans are highly skilled. They are highly capable individuals whose service and experiences are assets to Canada’s labour market. We want to keep tapping into that potential in ways that reflect the full range of opportunities available to veterans today. Veterans Affairs Canada has a national veterans employment strategy for this very reason. It brings government employers and partners together so that veterans can better connect with meaningful employment opportunities and so that employers can better understand the skills that veterans can bring to our businesses. The department also supports targeted initiatives that provide education, training and career transition services to ensure that veterans are equipped to succeed across a wide range of sectors in today’s economies, whether that is defence, technology, logistics or in security roles on federal properties. This approach reflects a continued commitment to veteran employment that recognizes the evolving nature of both the labour market and the needs of those who have served. The government will continue to work with partners, including the Corps of Commissionaires, to support veteran employment in meaningful ways.

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“Climate change is hurting Canadian communities through fires, floods, and extreme heat. Our government relies on science to guide our choices. We are still working to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, grow a clean economy, and make our communities safer from future damage.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, climate change is already affecting communities across Canada through increasingly severe impacts, including wildfires, floods and extreme heat. This is why climate policy must continue to be informed by the best available scientific evidence. It is both an environmental imperative and an economic necessity in a world that continues to decarbonize. The Government of Canada continues to support climate science, modelling, data collection and environmental monitoring to improve our understanding of climate change and its impacts. They are fundamental to understanding climate risks and informing decision-making. Canada remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We are taking a long-term approach focused on building resilience, supporting clean economic growth, protecting nature and creating the conditions for Canadians to benefit from reliable energy systems, cleaner technologies and more resilient communities for the future.

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In response to a question from Elizabeth May

“Our government is acting quickly on climate change. We are working toward net-zero emissions, spending $3.8 billion to protect nature, and helping communities prepare for floods and fires. Doing this now protects our environment and keeps our economy strong.”

  • A repeated line

    “We are going to build the strongest economy in the G7.”

    Said 15 times by 6 members since April 23.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to rise today during this early show. We are taking action as we speak. We recognize that Canadians are living through a period of economic, geopolitical and environmental disruption. With the impacts of climate change, including severe wildfires, floods and extreme heat; growing pressures on affordability and competitiveness; and the rising demands on our energy systems, Canadians are facing multiple challenges at this time. Climate action is a key part of how we build Canada strong. Achieving net-zero emissions remains our commitment and strategic economic interest of Canada, supporting the broader goal of building a stronger, more competitive, resilient and economically independent economy, and the strongest economy in the G7. We are advancing a cohesive approach to climate action that reflects today’s geopolitical and energy security realities: moving pragmatically and at a pace to advance decarbonization while working to make climate-smart choices the most practical choices for improving affordability, competitiveness, resilience and quality of life for Canadians. To us, climate action, adaptation and nature protection are interconnected. Canada’s forests, wetlands, oceans and other ecosystems help support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and provide important economic and social benefits. Our focus is on creating the conditions for long-term transformation, mobilizing investment, accelerating innovation and building the infrastructure and industrial capacity needed to support a competitive, resilient and low-carbon economy. We are doing this through other elements of our agenda. The national electricity strategy will electrify our economy while making life more affordable for all Canadians. The nature strategy is a $3.8-billion investment in protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. Our plan is advancing climate objectives along with broader economic objectives, laying the foundation for a cleaner, more competitive economy. At the same time, Canada’s national adaptation strategy emphasizes that reducing emissions alone is not enough. Communities must also be prepared for the climate impacts that are already occurring. The strategy provides a framework for advancing resilience in areas such as disaster preparedness, infrastructure, nature and biodiversity, health, and the economy. The costs associated with climate impacts will continue to rise, reverberating throughout Canada’s economy and driving up the cost of housing, food, energy, insurance and other essentials. This is why climate action cannot wait until future decades. The Government of Canada is moving with urgency to fight climate change while working together to build the energy security, industrial capacity and strategic autonomy that will define this century for Canada.

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Statements by Members ·

Residential School Survivors

“A group protested outside the former Kamloops residential school to scare survivors. I stand with residential school survivors every day, not just on Truth and Reconciliation Day.”

  • Member's statement

    Signal 32 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, last week on September 30, millions of Canadians observed national truth and reconciliation day. Unfortunately, three days before that, in the city of Kamloops in the Tk̓emlúps te Secwe̓pemc territory, a group organized and demonstrated in front of and mere steps away from the residential school. These people wanted to intimidate and strike fear in residential school survivors. We stand with residential school survivors. We stand with their truths, and we want them to know that we stand with them every single day. To the residential school survivors and their families who are still here, the next time those people come out of their mothers’ basements and march in an unorganized way, know that they are not strong, that they are not courageous. Survivors have more strength and more courage in their pinky fingers than each and every one of them does. We stand with survivors. We stand with them every day, not just on September 30, but every day of the year.

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Government Orders ·

Building Canada Strong Act

“I want to ask the member about his recent door-knocking. How does this bill address the concerns he heard from people in his community?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleague from North Vancouver—Capilano, along the same sort of lines as my colleague across the way. I know that he was knocking on doors for almost a month recently, and it has been a great success for him. I also want to ask him about how this bill specifically would answer or quell any concerns that he heard when knocking on the doors of the great people of North Vancouver—Capilano.

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Adjournment Proceedings ·

Adjournment Proceedings

“This incident is concerning, and federal officials are working with provincial regulators and Indigenous communities to check the damage. We will enforce federal laws where they apply. We are also working with Indigenous peoples to better manage mine waste, use good science, and protect our water and communities.”

  • Reply to a comment in debate

    Clarity 33 of 100

    Much of this statement used imprecise wording, lacked details on timing or responsibility, or made broad claims without support.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the incident referenced is deeply concerning, and it reinforces the importance of strong oversight and accountability. Federal officials remain engaged with provincial regulators and indigenous communities to ensure that appropriate response measures are taken and that impacts are fully assessed. Where federal laws apply, they will be enforced. At the same time, this situation underscores the need to strengthen how tailings are managed across the sector. That is why the government is advancing the work, in partnership with indigenous peoples, with a focus on transparency, rigorous science and the protection of waters and communities.

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In response to a question from Heather McPherson

“We are working with Indigenous groups, provinces, and scientists to protect the environment and health around the oil sands. We will never allow untreated mine waste water into the environment. We are also spending almost 12 million dollars to study the health of people in Fort Chipewyan.”

  • Reply to a debate question

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is my first time rising in the House since we have come back, and I am very excited to be back. Issues related to oil sands management are taken seriously. The importance of clean waterways, healthy ecosystems and the well-being of surrounding communities continues to guide federal action in this area, alongside consideration of indigenous rights and interests. Environment and Climate Change Canada is advancing its work on oil sands mining effluent through ongoing structured engagement with indigenous rights holders and organizations, the Government of Alberta, the Government of Northwest Territories, industry representatives, environmental non-governmental organizations and other federal departments. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure that multiple perspectives and expertise inform policy development. A key component of this work is the Crown-indigenous working group, through which ECCC, or Environment and Climate Change Canada, and indigenous partners are working together to examine options related to the management of oil sands mining process water. The outcome of this work will inform recommendations provided to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Should a regulation authorizing discharge to water be deemed necessary, it would apply only to mine water that has been treated to strict standards, designed to protect the environment, human health and the well-being of indigenous people. Under no circumstances would the releasing of tailings or untreated mine water be permitted. Engagement with partners and stakeholders will continue as considerations advance, if applicable, through the development of any regulatory measures. In addition, Environment and Climate Change Canada, on behalf of the federal government, jointly leads the oil sands monitoring program with the Government of Alberta, in partnership with indigenous communities and industry. This program aims to improve understanding of the environmental effects of oil sands development through comprehensive ambient monitoring within the region. Monitoring results and reports are made publicly accessible through the oil sands monitoring program portal. In August 2024, the Government of Canada announced that it would make available nearly $12 million over 10 years to support a Fort Chipewyan health study examining the potential impacts of oil sands activities on community health. Nations have begun this work. Canada is dedicated to supporting a community-led, transparent and science-based approach to assessing health risks, with indigenous nations leading decision-making on issues that affect their well-being. Safeguarding the health of communities and the integrity of Canada’s waters and ecosystems is a fundamental responsibility of this government now and into the future. Addressing the risks associated with tailings management requires sustained effort, collaboration and solutions grounded in sound science. This work is ongoing, and the government will continue to consider and be guided by the recommendations that emerge from all of these collaborative processes.

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Oral Questions ·

Climate Change

In response to a question from Christine Normandin

“Our plan will protect 30% of Canada's land and water by 2030. We just announced a deal with seven First Nations to protect over 6,700 square kilometres of coast in British Columbia.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 44 of 100

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, on top of what I just said, we have also released the nature strategy. We are going to be protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. In fact, about two weeks ago, I went to Klemtu on the coast of British Columbia, where I was standing with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. We announced with seven first nations in the province of British Columbia a plan to protect over 6,700 square kilometres of coast. That is equivalent to 1.5 times the size of Banff National Park and larger than Prince Edward Island.

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In response to a question from Christine Normandin

“We are working together to make Canada cleaner. We made new methane rules and brought Alberta into the talks. We will also launch a plan to double our clean electricity grid.”

  • Government answer in Question Period

    Relevance 100 of 100

    Of this answer, 100% addressed the question that was asked.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we cannot build a clean Canada if we are not working together. We are thinking differently and strategically to deliver results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations. We have brought Alberta to the table. We have actually brought Canada’s largest-emitting province to the table. We will soon also be launching our clean electricity strategy to double our grid in the next number of years. It is something we have promised Canadians. We are going to give this to Canadians today, tomorrow and for future generations, and that is why I am proud to stand on this side of the aisle.

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Oral Questions ·

The Environment

In response to a question from Jenny Kwan

“We must work together to protect our environment. We created new methane rules and 90 billion dollars in clean energy tax credits. We also worked with Alberta, British Columbia, and six First Nations to protect ocean areas.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, we cannot build Canada strong and clean if we are not working together. That is why we are thinking differently, strategically, to deliver real results for Canadians. We have introduced new methane regulations and $90 billion in clean investment tax credits. We brought Alberta to the table for the first time, making sure that we move together for the future, and I was so proud to be in Klemtu this weekend, where we worked with six first nations and the Province of British Columbia to protect 6,500 square kilometres of marine conservation for future generations.

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Government Orders ·

Business of Supply

“The member says we failed to make a treaty with the Cowichan Tribes. But one of their bands left the talks in 2014 when the Conservatives were in power. We try to negotiate and we go to court, but the Conservatives criticize both. What is their plan?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have much respect for my colleague from the Nanaimo territory. She mentioned that the government failed to negotiate a treaty with the Cowichan Tribes. However, the Stz’uminus tribe, which is part of the Cowichan Tribes, dropped out of the treaty process in 2014, and who was in government at the time, in 2014? We try to negotiate on this side. We go to court. These sorts of things happen. Then the Conservatives criticize the negotiations on a government-to-government level. What are we supposed to do? What is their solution, to negotiate with first nations or to go to court, because they are saying that both do not work?

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“The local government, First Nations, British Columbia, and the federal government are all working together to appeal this decision. I want to ask my colleague what he is hearing from these groups about their joint appeal.”

  • Question or comment in debate

    Signal 43 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague, the member for Richmond East—Steveston, has been very involved with the issue. He is very concerned as well, because he does take this very seriously with his residents and his constituents. I have seen him working on the ground, not only with them but also with the parties appealing the decision along with the federal government. There is the municipality. There are other first nations. There is the province of British Columbia. There is a unified approach to make sure the decision is appealed. I want to ask the member what he has been hearing from the other parties, so we know they are all working together to ensure that it is appealed.

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“Indigenous leaders have always said they do not want to take people's land. Has the parliamentary secretary ever heard any First Nations leader say they want to take away private property?”

  • Question or comment in debate

    Signal 14 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have memories of being in high school in the early 1990s when the B.C. treaty process was opened up because of the many title cases that my colleague has talked about. Fellow students asked, “Are you coming for our house? Are you coming for our land?” We had to have leadership come say absolutely not, we will never do that; we want to work in co-operation and we want to live in harmony with each and every person who lives in and around our territory. The hon. parliamentary secretary has been involved in first nations politics for a very long time across this country. Has he ever once heard a first nations person, a chief or anybody, say they want private property rights?

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Private Members' Business ·

Offender Rehabilitation Act

In response to a question from Tamara Kronis

“I support sending this bill to a committee for further study. It lets judges order offenders to take part in job training or addiction treatment while in prison, and it makes selling large amounts of fentanyl carry a harsher sentence. We agree with the goals of the bill, but it still has problems that need to be fixed.”

  • A repeated line

    “We will continue to work with our border, immigration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”

    Said 7 times by 3 members since April 30.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Madam Speaker, before I start, I want to thank my colleague from Kitchener Centre for standing up and having the tremendous strength she had today to share her story. Far too often in my 47 years, I have had to say goodbye to many family members way too early. They never were able to climb the mountain that she was able to climb, but I am able to share her story now to say that people can climb that mountain and be in this hallowed hall one day. I thank the member again. I am thankful for this opportunity to speak to the private member’s bill, Bill C-240, the offender rehabilitation act. This bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, CCRA, and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. More specifically, the proposed amendments would allow a court to prescribe measures that an offender must undertake during their sentence, such as participation in treatment or employment programs; require that such measures be incorporated into an offender’s correctional plan and that progress be considered by the Parole Board of Canada, PBC, when making sentencing decisions; and treat large-scale fentanyl trafficking as an aggravating sentencing factor. Our primary responsibility as a government is to keep all Canadians safe. This responsibility requires us to carefully review legislation, assess its implications and ensure that it upholds the values that Canadians expect of us. We support the principles of Bill C-240 and recognize that it requires further study at the committee stage to address certain challenges present in its current form. We look forward to working together to rectify these issues and ensure the safety of all Canadians. With this in mind, I will use my time to talk about how Correctional Service Canada, CSC, helps people in custody achieve their substance use goals, as well as how parole works in Canada. Substance use is a complex health issue that requires a balanced approach focused on prevention, treatment and harm reduction. Through its national drugs and substances strategy, CSC takes a health-centred approach to substance abuse, recognizing that addressing problematic use is essential to rehabilitation and public safety. CSC provides screening, evidence-based treatment and peer-supported recovery services. This includes substance use treatment delivered by health care professionals, such as opioid agonist treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder. CSC also implements harm reduction measures to reduce the risk of overdose and the spread of infectious diseases while supporting access to care. CSC further supports recovery through peer-based programs, which use lived experience to promote engagement, recovery and successful reintegration into the community. The majority of offenders are serving fixed-length sentences. This means that they will eventually be released back into the community once their sentence ends. Let me, for a moment, explain how parole works in Canada. Parole contributes to public safety by helping offenders reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens through a gradual, controlled and supported release with conditions. Parole decisions are made by the Parole Board of Canada, an independent administrative tribunal that operates at arm’s length from government and is free from outside influence. The process can take place through an in-office file review or a face-to-face hearing with the offender and their parole officer. When hearings are held in person, observers may request to attend remotely. Board members consider all relevant and available information in assessing an offender’s risk to reoffend. Decisions are based on a thorough risk assessment of all relevant and available information, which includes information from police, courts, Crown attorneys, mental health professionals, correctional authorities, private agencies, indigenous communities and victims of crime. We must not forget that an offender on parole is not completely free. They continue to be monitored and supported by a parole officer from Correctional Service Canada. The Parole Board of Canada may revoke an offender’s release not only if they breach their conditions, but also if their risk is assessed as having become unacceptable. I want to reassure all Canadians that public safety is the primary consideration in all conditional release decisions. I would also like to share some information about recidivism. Over the last 10 years, 93% of offenders granted day or full parole by the Parole Board of Canada have not committed a new offence while on parole and 99% of offenders have not committed a new violent offence while on parole. I would also like to emphasize that victims have a role to play in the parole process as well. They may register to receive information from the Parole Board of Canada and Correctional Service Canada. Victims may also provide information to Correctional Service Canada and/or to the Parole Board of Canada at any time throughout the offender’s sentence, for consideration when making decisions related to the offender’s security level, evaluations or the offender’s programming needs and overall risk to re-offend. This includes by board members when deciding whether the offender should be released and the conditions they impose. Victims can choose to provide a victim statement describing the impact the crime continues to have on them, express their views about the possible conditional release of the offender and ask Correctional Service Canada to consider their area of residence when making a release plan. Victims can also request special conditions for the Parole Board to consider, for example, preventing the offender from communicating with them or their family and from going to any specified place. Further, victims may attend the offender’s parole hearing as observers and can read their written statement to board members, outlining the continuing impact the offence has had on them, as well as any risk or safety concerns the offender may pose. The national office for victims, through Public Safety Canada, provides an essential resource for victims of federal offenders. It is committed to empowering victims of federal offenders through information. Victims of crime can use this information to understand how authorities determine eligibility dates for different types of release. Through the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, the Government of Canada also provides the following rights to victims of crime: the right to information, the right to protection, the right to participation and the right to seek restitution. Under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, victims of crime can receive information on progress made by inmates towards meeting the objectives of their correctional plan. The government will always take the protection of these rights seriously. We will continue to ensure the safety of all Canadians. As we support sending the bill to committee, we hope to further the progress, efforts and values I discussed today by strengthening this piece of legislation and ensuring a safer Canada for all Canadians.

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