Patricia Lattanzio
Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Treating these murders as the Criminal Code's most serious forms of homicide speaks directly to the gravity of these offences and to the seriousness with which the government is moving to address them. I would like to dwell for a moment on the term I am using here, “femicide”, and the importance of naming it as such.”
“Behind every one of these numbers is a person, a family and a community left to grieve. We owe those families more than our sympathy. We owe them action, so let me outline a few of the key changes that Bill C-16 would bring.”
“Most significantly, Bill C-16 would strengthen mandatory minimum penalties for predators who possess or access child sexual abuse and exploitation material, including restoring more than 12 mandatory minimum penalties for a range of child sexual offences that were previously struck down by the courts.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to rise this evening on behalf of the citizens of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel to speak to Bill C-16 , the protecting victims act, at third reading. Across the country, we are facing a stark reality. In my home province of Quebec, there have been 10 femicides since January.”
“Coalition féministe contre la violence envers les femmes tells us that this type of violence, which so often goes unseen, is one of the main determinants of femicide. Criminalizing it would help us detect high-risk situations sooner and strengthen prevention.”
“We would also be putting more information into the hands of victims by providing them with information about available resources proactively, without requiring a formal request.”
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“In a world of rising protectionism, Canada cannot retreat behind its borders. We must face these challenges head-on. Canada has traditionally depended on a narrow set of markets, particularly the United States, for the bulk of our exports. That closeness remains a strength, but overreliance has left Canada vulnerable to sudden shifts in the trade policy of our southern neighbour. That is why trade diversification is at the forefront of our economic strategy. Modern agreements expanded economic diplomacy and targeted trade missions that create new opportunities for Canadian goods and services. These efforts include ambitious targets like doubling non-U.S. exports over the next decade.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians are right to expect that when the government engages abroad, it is to bring home opportunities, more secure jobs, more resilient supply chains and more diversified markets. That is exactly what the government has been doing, helping Canadians navigate economic headwinds, opening new opportunities in fast-growing regions and defending Canadians against unfair trade measures. The pressures faced by Canadian workers and producers across the country are real and deserve acknowledgement from the House. From farmers navigating sudden tariff announcements to auto workers facing disrupted North American supply chains to steelworkers dealing with unfair trade measures, Canadians in sectors across the country feel the impact of global economic turbulence.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me be perfectly clear that the government is taking action and wants to hold criminals responsible, but legislation alone will not fix the problem. The provinces and territories play a critical role in administering justice, conducting bail hearings, supervising individuals on release, ensuring compliance with conditions and investing in programs that will prevent reoffending. The federal government is stepping up with new laws and major investments in policing. We encourage our provincial and territorial partners to lead with us and continue funding their courts, training justices of the peace and expanding community supports.”
“It would allow a judge, in rare and exceptional cases, to impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum only when applying the mandatory minimum would amount to cruel and unusual punishment. Mandatory jail time remains the rule, and we are glad to have the endorsement of the Conservative member for Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola on the safety valve for MMPs. The government is acting. We are strengthening bail where it needs to be strengthened. We are targeting repeat violent offenders. We are giving police real tools and we are centring—”
“However, last fall, the Conservatives refused to pass this bill before Christmas. Then we have Bill C-16 , which puts victims first. It would strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence by creating a stand-alone offence for coercive and controlling conduct, and by clearly identifying circumstances in the Criminal Code where a murder constitutes femicide. This legislation reflects our commitment to centring victims and addressing the realities of gender-based violence. This bill would also restore mandatory jail time for Criminal Code offences, including those previously struck down by the Supreme Court. To ensure these mandatory minimums are charter-compliant, the bill includes a narrowly tailored safety valve.”
“It would modernize lawful access and give police the tools they need to catch predators before crimes are committed. Conservatives say they care about public safety, yet they are blocking the very tools police say they need. Let us take Bill C-14 , introduced last fall, which directly addresses bail and sentencing. This bill would make it harder for serious and repeat violent offenders to obtain bail. It would strengthen sentences, add new aggravating factors for repeat violent offending and prioritize denunciation and deterrence where communities are being harmed. Importantly, Bill C-14 also clarifies the principle of restraint, making it explicit that restraint does not mean automatic release. Bill C-14 is exactly the kind of targeted, evidence-based reform Canadians are asking for.”
“Former Bill C-75 does not require courts to release violent offenders at the earliest opportunity. That claim is simply false and is now acknowledged by police associations across the country. Bill C-75 codified the long-standing principle of restraint affirmed by the Supreme Court, which does not mean automatic release. When an accused is violent, poses a risk to public safety or has a serious criminal history, detention is entirely appropriate. By claiming otherwise, Conservatives are misleading Canadians and undermining the confidence in our justice system for political gain. Let us turn to what is actually before the House today. The Liberal government currently has six major crime bills before Parliament, legislation that police associations across the country have been explicitly asking for. Let us take Bill C-2 , for example.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always a privilege to rise in the House on behalf of the people of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, the riding I represent. I would like to wish everyone a happy new year, and I hope for a productive year ahead. Speaking of productivity, I rise today to respond to a question raised last fall regarding former Bill C-75 . At that time, the Conservatives chose partisanship over collaboration and advanced a misleading claim that the bill required the release of violent offenders. Today, at the start of the new year, I welcome their stated desire to work in good faith and collaboratively, and I hope that the spirit of co-operation extends beyond this week's Conservative convention in Alberta. I am sure the Conservative leader is greatly anticipating it. Let me be absolutely clear.”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 will spend less on government operations and cut waste so we can invest more in growing our economy and protecting essential programs that make life more affordable for Canadians. For example, once again, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit, which will provide additional significant support for more than 12 million Canadians. Our government has been focused on bringing down Canadian costs, and this will remain our top priority.”
“Federal dollars invested in Build Canada Homes will be leveraged to attract private capital, investors and builders to expand the housing supply. These measures will make housing attainable, cities more vibrant and communities stronger. We are doing so much more. Let us also look at other major cuts. Since July 1, 2025, Canadians have been paying less tax after the government announced lowering the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%. The rate reduction, which is currently before Parliament as part of Bill C-4 , would apply to taxable income up to—”
“Here are some key examples of how we have been delivering for Canadians. Let me begin with the high cost of housing, which has been a focal point of our government's work to restore affordability. Canada is facing a steep housing supply gap, one that threatens affordability, opportunity and the ability for Canadians to build a life and a future here. Put simply, our country needs to build many more homes. We are eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes at or under $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. We will build faster and smarter thanks to the launch of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will drive investment and public-private co-operation.”
“I am proud to say that the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit will provide additional significant support for more than 12 million Canadians. What is more, the government is also setting aside $500 million from the strategic response fund to help businesses address the cost of supply chain disruptions without passing those costs on to Canadians at the checkout line. For the same reason, we will create a $150-million food security fund under the existing regional tariff response initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises and the organizations that support them. Thanks to budget 2025, we are doing so much more to make life more affordable for Canadians. Budget 2025 builds on the many actions we have already taken to support Canadian families at a time of significant economic uncertainty and affordability challenges.”
“Just yesterday, for example, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance announced new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable. In order to bring down these costs for Canadians, Canada's new government is introducing the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. Formerly known as the GST credit, we are increasing its amount by 25% over the next five years, beginning in July 2026. On top of that we are providing a one-time payment equivalent to a 50% increase this year. Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year and about $1,400 a year in the next four years. A single person will receive up to $950 this year and about $700 a year for the next four years.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has been relentlessly focused on bringing down costs for Canadians. Broadly speaking, we are doing this in two ways. Through budget 2025 we laid the groundwork to unlock generational investments in Canadian businesses, workers and resources to build a stronger and more resilient Canadian economy. While we implement those long-term and strategic initiatives, we are also putting more money in the pockets of Canadians through targeted and common-sense initiatives. By ensuring that Canadian workers and families keep more of their hard-earned money, we are empowering Canadians to better support their families, invest in their communities and build the future they want.”
“This is the spirit in which we have shown we can work together to protect Canadians and their lives. (1840) Unfortunately, the Conservatives continue to delay critical legislation, wasting committee time debating irrelevant matters while women's organizations across the country have called for urgent action. As such, I ask the member opposite this: Will she support passing these bills before the House rises? Furthermore, before the House rises, the minister will table legislation addressing gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, child protection and court delays. These measures are crafted with victims in mind, reflecting their lived experiences and the realities they face. We hope the Conservatives will refrain from obstruction and join us in supporting our legislation.”
“These measures reflect our commitment to victim-centred, charter-compliant reforms. Unlike the Conservatives, who prioritize ideology over evidence, we are strengthening public safety without creating legal chaos. Let us also remember Bill C-2 , which would equip police with the lawful tools they need in order to catch predators before they commit crimes. Survivors, as well as families of victims, have been telling us that about the need for less-toxic rhetoric around intimate-partner violence, and they urge Parliament to act responsibly. As one example, yesterday the House unanimously adopted Conservative Bill C-225 , about fighting intimate-partner violence, as we intend to amend the bill in the justice committee and strengthen it to protect women who act in self defence from being wrongfully charged with first-degree murder.”
“Bill C-14 would make it harder for serious sexual offenders to be released before trial, and it would introduce a reverse onus for assault and sexual assault involving choking, suffocation or strangulation behaviours linked to the escalation to homicide. Second, it would end house arrest for serious sexual offences. Conditional sentences have been proven insufficient for serious sexual offences, particularly those involving children. Bill C-14 would ensure that offenders serve sentences reflecting the gravity of their crimes. Third, with respect to consecutive sentences for repeat offenders, as mentioned before by the hon. member from the Bloc, Bill C-14 would allow judges to consider consecutive sentences for repeat violent sexual offenders while preserving discretion to ensure that outcomes remain proportionate, fair and constitutional.”
“This approach is reckless. It would remove judicial discretion entirely, prevent judges from applying the totality principle, risk grossly disproportionate global sentences, discourage early guilty pleas, lengthen trials unnecessarily and put increased pressure on provincial courts and correctional facilities, all without any evidence that it would reduce re-offending. This is why our government has adopted a different, evidence-based and constitutionally sound approach. Through Bill C-14 , the bail and sentencing reform act, we would strengthen the justice system while keeping victims at the centre and core of our focus. How would the bill do that? One way is with tougher bail rules.”
“I would note, however, that Bill C-246 is the wrong approach. It is unconstitutional and overly rigid, and it would not make Canadians safer. The bill seeks to force judges to stack consecutive sentences for all sexual offences, including those that already carry mandatory minimum penalties. The Supreme Court, in cases such as Senneville, has emphasized that judges must consider reasonable hypotheticals when determining when a sentence is grossly disproportionate. The Court of Appeal of Quebec, in the Vera Camacho case, struck down part of the existing consecutive sentencing framework for sexual offenders against children because it would result in sentences that are grossly disproportionate and unconstitutional. Nonetheless, the Conservatives propose to expand this fragile provision to include adult sexual offences.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to speak to Bill C-246 , an act to amend the Criminal Code concerning consecutive sentences for sexual offences. It is a private member's bill brought forward by the hon. member for Lethbridge . The bill would replace the existing Criminal Code provision that requires sentencing courts to impose consecutive sentences in child sexual offences cases with one that would require consecutive sentences for all other sexual offences. In cases where an offender is already serving a sentence for a sexual offence, it would require a new sentence for a sexual offence to run consecutively to the sentence the offender is already serving. I appreciate the sponsor's aim of signalling the seriousness of sexual offences by requiring mandatory consecutive sentences in cases involving multiple sexual offence convictions.”
“Mr. Speaker, every child in Canada deserves to grow up free from fear, abuse and exploitation. Our government will always stand up for children through stricter laws, better protection and unwavering support for victims. In the coming weeks, our government will be introducing a bill to protect children. Again, Bill C‑242 is scheduled for debate this Friday, yet it makes no mention at all of mandatory sentences.”
“Mr. Speaker, criminals who exploit or abuse children are among the most serious and despicable offenders in our society. It is simple: Child molesters should face the harshest penalties under Canadian law. In the coming weeks, our government will introduce a new measure from our election platform to better protect children from horrific crimes. Bill C-242 will be introduced this Friday, but there is nothing in the bill about eliminating those sentences.”
“Madam Speaker, once again, we have made it very clear that resources will be allocated to ensure that all provinces will be ready to do their work. Mental health criteria will be looked at, so we can ensure the jails are not overpopulated with people who do not benefit from the reverse onus—”
“Madam Speaker, this bill includes a number of reforms to the Criminal Code. In addition, the government has been very clear. We want to have more resources in our courts. Specifically, a number of judges need to be appointed. In fact, I mentioned that in my speech. It is an approach and a reform that will of course require additional resources. However, those resources are the responsibility of the provinces. As members are aware, the federal government writes the laws, but it is up to the provinces to administer the justice process.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite, who also sits on the justice committee, will have the opportunity to bring forward his recommendations for and amendments to this robust bill, so we can make it as complete as necessary to serve the interests of Canadians, ensuring—”
“Madam Speaker, to come back to the comments that were made by the member opposite, this is not a partisan issue and it should not be. I totally agree with him. The member also sits on the justice committee. Once this bill gets to the justice committee, I hope we will be able to work collaboratively to strengthen it by studying it and making all of the necessary recommendations and amendments to ensure that Canadians get the bill— Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Patricia Lattanzio: Madam Speaker, they are heckling on the other side and I cannot hear myself speak. Would you please address this issue?”
“As many legal experts and frontline officers have emphasized at the justice committee, this work cannot be done by one level of government alone. The provinces must step up to ensure public safety. The federal government is stepping up and doing its part within its jurisdiction through this bail and sentencing reform act, but on its own, it is not enough. We are calling on the provinces and territories to do their part in ensuring that their courts and correctional facilities are well funded and that they have sufficient justices of the peace, Crown prosecutors and court staff to apply these stronger tools effectively to keep repeat and violent offenders off our streets.”
“Quite frankly, we also do not go on podcasts and call the brave men and women of the RCMP “despicable”, as the Conservative leader did. We do not hide behind keyboards to attack Crown prosecutors for doing their jobs. What are we doing instead? We are making it crystal clear to the courts that the principle of restraint would not mandate automatic release and that the requirement for the least onerous bail conditions would not apply to serious or violent offenders, who would now be subject to the reverse onus. That is the difference between responsible, steady leadership and the politics of division and resentment. Canadians deserve to feel safe and be safe in their communities. We know that keeping Canadians safe requires actions from all orders of government.”
“Let us be clear that whether or not it is written into the Criminal Code, the principle of restraint has always existed in our laws. It is not me saying that, but the Supreme Court of Canada in the 2017 Antic decision. This is not some Liberal invention, as the Conservatives would like Canadians to believe; it has been established by Supreme Court jurisprudence. It is the rule of law, yet the Conservative Party is now suggesting that we ignore a Supreme Court precedent or, even worse, that we use the notwithstanding clause to overrule the highest court in this country. On this side of the House, we respect the rule of law and we will never trample on the Constitution simply because we do not like a court's decision.”
“When every province and territory welcomes federal justice reform, it is not politics; it is partnership and leadership. Even municipalities are on board. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities called this bill a step forward for community safety. Police associations, mayors and victim advocates are all on board with and in favour of the passage of this bill. Who would not be? At its core, there are 80 proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to strike the right balance that Canadians expect. It is strong on safety, firm on justice and faithful to the Charter of Rights and the rule of law. Unfortunately, when Canadians from across the country are united, Conservatives try to divide them. The Conservatives have been peddling misinformation about one key element, namely, the principle of restraint.”
“This reform has been welcomed by police forces across Quebec. I sincerely hope that my Conservative colleagues from Quebec will have the courage to stand up, go against the party line and vote in favour of what they were elected to do, which is to keep their communities safe. I also invite the Bloc Québécois to join us in defending our Quebec values, namely firmness, justice, and the protection of victims. [ English ] While the Leader of the Opposition spent his summer targeting his own MP's seat to save his job, the Minister of Justice spent his summer targeting repeat violent offenders to keep Canadians safe. What did that work achieve? It achieved a national consensus, with Conservative, New Democrat and Liberal premiers alike all calling for the swift passage of Bill C-14 .”
“Bill C-14 would add new aggravating factors for crimes against first responders, for repeat violent offenders, for organized retail theft and for offences that threaten our critical infrastructure, like copper. It would allow consecutive sentences for serious crimes, like auto theft, arson, extortion and breaking and entering. Let me be clear that if a person commits a crime or is a repeat offender, they should and would face multiple consequences, full stop. We are clarifying sentence objectives to prioritize denunciation and deterrence for repeat violent and organized crime because Canadians are tired of seeing serious criminals walk away with light sentences. (1110) [ Translation ] We have worked closely with the Government of Quebec on restricting access to house arrest for sexual offences, including those committed against children.”
“It was written by a career politician who lost a national election and his own seat, and who now wants to sound tough without showing any real seriousness. It is a slogan, not a solution. It is unconstitutional and reckless. It would hand provinces a legal disaster that sees dangerous offenders back on the street the moment the law is struck down, just as six Harper-era laws were struck down, one by one, by the Supreme Court of Canada during the Conservatives' time in government. Their plan would tie judges' hands, trample on the charter and make a mockery of the rule of law. It would do more for political fundraising emails than it would for community safety. Canadians deserve laws made in Canada, not bumper-sticker slogans imported from south of the border. I will go back to Bill C-14 and its second pillar, which is sentencing reform.”
“Through new reverse onus provisions, it would be on the accused to show why they deserve to be released, not on the Crown to prove why they should be detained. This stronger threshold would ensure that those charged with violent or high-impact offences face a tougher path to bail. On top of that, we would direct courts to carefully scrutinize the bail plan of the accused to ensure that it is both credible and reliable before any release is granted. That is how we keep dangerous offenders behind bars. That is how we restore Canada's confidence in our justice system. Let us contrast that with what the Conservatives are proposing in their so-called jail, not bail plan. It was not written by legal experts, inspired by victim advocates or made in consultation with police officers.”
“On bail reform, this bill would deliver exactly what Canadians elected us to do in the last election. We would tighten bail provisions so that the system is no longer a revolving door for violent offenders. The message is clear: The principle of restraint does not mean automatic release. For the first time, courts would have to consider random or unprovoked violence when making bail decisions. They would also have to consider the number and seriousness of outstanding charges, because Canadians know that someone facing 10 charges should not be treated the same as somebody facing one. For serious crimes, such as organized crime, home invasions and sexual assault, this bill would change the starting point.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Mont-Saint-Bruno—L'Acadie . It is an honour to rise today as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to speak on behalf and in support of Bill C-14 , the bail and sentencing reform act. It is the most significant modernization of Canada's bail and sentencing laws in a generation. This bill is about one thing above all else: keeping Canadians safe in their homes, safe on their streets and safe in their communities. It would do two critical things. First, it would strengthen our bail system to ensure that violent and repeat offenders are kept off our streets. Second, it would modernize sentences to ensure that the punishment truly fits the crime.”
“With regards to the timeline, as mentioned earlier, right now, the reforms are large, as there are over 80 amendments to the Criminal Code, which will require all the necessary time and thorough consultation to get it through.”
“Mr. Speaker, it seems that the member opposite missed the news over the weekend and missed what frontline enforcement had to say about our bail and sentencing reform act, so I will bring him up to speed. The Toronto Police Association called our plan “a step in the right direction”. The Canadian Police Association, for police across the country, said, “This should be the moment of collaboration, not division”, urging all parties to pass legislation quickly to strengthen public safety and rebuild confidence in our justice system. The London Police Association said that this legislation “represents a vital...advancement [and] an essential step in creating a safer [Canada].” I ask the member opposite, what insight does he have that the frontline officers seem to be missing?”
“When every province and territory welcomes a federal justice reform system, and I mean everyone, that is not politics; that is partnership and that is leadership. Finally, while Parliament sets the laws on bail, provinces and territories run the system, conducting most hearings and enforcing release conditions. All levels of government share responsibility for making bail work. We are doing our job with these sweeping reforms, and now provinces need to do theirs. The government remains committed to working closely with them to strengthen the system and keep Canadians safe. Bill C-14 is balanced, principled and firm. It targets repeat violent offenders, strengthens community safety and upholds the rule of law. This is real reform, not rhetoric.”
“Regarding the member opposite's question on the timeline for this bill, it is important to note that reforms of this magnitude, over 80 amendments to the Criminal Code, require careful and thorough consultation. Let us recall what the Leader of the Opposition was doing all summer. He was targeting his own MP's seat to protect his job. At the same time, what was the Minister of Justice doing? He was targeting repeat violent offenders and building consensus among provinces, territories, police associations and victim groups to develop real, practical solutions. That consensus is what led to Bill C-14 . For the first time, we have national consensus, with Conservative, New Democrat and Liberal premiers alike all calling for the swift passage of this bill.”
“Bill C-14 would strengthen Canada's bail and sentencing system to better protect public safety and prevent repeat offenders. It would require courts to consider random or unprovoked violence in bail decisions and would clarify that restraint does not mandate automatic release. For serious and repeat violent crimes, new reverse onus rules would make the accused responsible to justify release rather than the Crown having to prove the grounds for detention. In regard to sentencing reform, Bill C-14 would add new aggravating factors, require consecutive sentences for certain serious offences and end the use of house arrest for serious sexual crimes, including those against children.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise this evening to speak about Canada's bail system and to respond to the member opposite, who asked whether the Minister of Justice had specific timelines for introducing bail and sentencing reforms, which is a commitment we were elected on and promised to Canadians with the mandate they gave us. As the member pointed out, last week, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada introduced Bill C-14 , the bail and sentencing reform act. The even greater news is that Bill C-14 was already at second reading today in the chamber. Earlier this afternoon, the Minister of Justice spoke about how the bill would crack down on repeat violent offenders, making it harder to get bail and toughen sentences.”
“As stewards of public funds, we know government spending must at all times meet the highest standards of accountability. We will ensure that this happens. Canadians deserve no less.”
“Mr. Speaker, our new government is tackling some of the most pressing economic and security issues of our time as we build a strong, united Canada. We are taking bold action to transform government and build up our defence efforts. We are moving quickly, but we are doing it in a responsible and pragmatic way. As we manage some of the largest federal undertakings this country has ever seen, we will always act in the best interest of Canadians. We have a solid plan to build the economy of the future, and we are building up our military as quickly as possible to keep Canadians and Canada strong and free. With respect to the well-documented issues around GC Strategies, I want to assure the hon. member that our government is focused on modernizing and fixing our procurement processes.”
“Canadians rightly expect this, and that is why we are committed to transforming the way we do business as we build Canada strong. With all federal procurements and projects, the new government will make sure we are always getting the best value while upholding the highest standards.”
“Regarding the member's concerns around Canada's future fighters, a modern fighter jet fleet is essential for defending Canada and Canadian sovereignty, and we plan on delivering in a timely manner. In this rapidly changing and complex geopolitical environment, we must also take a hard look at our defence procurements to ensure that they remain in the best interests of Canadians and our armed forces. That is why we have created the Defence Investment Agency to streamline processes, tailor oversight to project complexity and embed a stronger sense of urgency and prioritization into how we deliver capabilities. This is what responsible governments do. Canada's new government understands the importance of being fiscally responsible and maintaining high standards while conducting the business of the country.”
“The new government will ensure that rules are followed and that procurement processes are properly applied and documented every time. The government has already implemented several measures to improve how we procure and manage professional services. This includes improving evaluation requirements, increasing transparency, improving documentation, ensuring that work requirements are clear and adding measures for more procurement oversight across the board. The goal, as always, is to make sure we are getting the best value for Canadians. I want to be clear: When it comes to recovering funds, where we can demonstrate fraud or overbilling, we will pursue, and are already pursuing, GC Strategies in court. At the same time, procuring goods and services, particularly those related to defence, needs to be more efficient.”
“Mr. Speaker, last spring, Canadians made it clear they wanted change. The new government is laser-focused on transforming the ways we do business, but we will not lose sight of our commitment to deliver responsibly for Canadians. From making housing more affordable to bolstering our defence efforts, we are building Canada strong while remaining mindful of our role as stewards of public funds. We know government spending must at all times meet the highest standards of accountability. To address the member opposite, as we have said before, I will say that the government has accepted all the Auditor General's recommendations regarding procurements made in relation to the development of the ArriveCAN app. We share the demand for accountability expressed by the opposition.”
“Asking the agency to swiftly implement the 100-day plan was a decisive action by the government. Canadians deserve timely, accurate and accessible service from the agency's contact centres, and it is the agency's responsibility to deliver it.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Government of Canada will continue to closely monitor the results of this plan in the short and longer term. We will oversee the overall success of this plan, which will be assessed based on improvements in clients' experience. Given the agency's commitment when proving the accuracy of responses provided by contact centre representatives, we will be tracking the performance closely. Our expectation is clear: The accuracy rate for general enquiries should be just as high as that for enquiries related to specific taxpayer files. Finally, we will also monitor key indicators such as reductions in call volume and processing times, and the effectiveness of new solutions such as the platforms and AI tools to ensure better access to timely services for Canadians.”