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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“That is why I welcome the opportunity to speak today not only about the federal government's past and ongoing efforts to strengthen bail laws but also about the collaborative work under way with provinces and territories, and the government's intention to table new legislation this fall. (1215) [ Translation ] I will begin by speaking about Bill C-242 , the jail not bail act, which was introduced by the member for Oxford . Bill C‑242 includes provisions to expand the reverse onus provisions for serious offences. I am pleased to see that there is common ground between the Conservative opposition and our new Liberal government, which was elected on a promise to crack down on repeat and violent offenders.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Trois-Rivières. [ Translation ] I am pleased to speak today on issues that continue to impact the safety of our communities and the fairness of our criminal justice system, namely the operation and reform of Canada's bail system. [ English ] In recent months, communities across the country have voiced deep concerns about the ability of the criminal justice system to respond effectively to repeat and violent offenders. Let me be clear: These concerns are valid and they demand a serious, coordinated response.”
“Madam Speaker, the Criminal Code currently contains four hate propaganda offences in sections 318 to 319. The bill proposes to create a new, fifth, hate propaganda offence that would make it a crime to wilfully promote hatred against any identifiable group by publicly displaying certain symbols, including symbols principally used by association with terrorist entities that are listed under the Criminal Code, such as the swastika, the Nazi double rune, also known as the SS bolts—”
“Madam Speaker, as mentioned in my speech, we have seen a rise in hate crime in the last few years, and it is time that this question be addressed and that we adopt this law to be able to protect Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This is a platform promise that we made and that this government engaged itself in, and we intend for this legislation to see the light of day.”
“Madam Speaker, of course, once this bill is being studied at committee, our colleagues will have the opportunity to discuss it and hear from experts on these topics. We believe that this bill will be well received. I hope the Bloc Québécois will support it so that we can pass and implement this bill.”
“Madam Speaker, I do not have the Criminal Code with me, but I would tell my colleague opposite that the intent of this law is to regulate and legislate people who have the wilful intent to obstruct and intimidate people who want access to places of worship, religion, community centres and schools.”
“The new hate crime offence would make it a criminal offence to commit unlawful acts motivated by hate based on such grounds as race, ethnic origin, religion or sex. It would apply generally to the commission of an offence under the Criminal Code or an act of Parliament and would include stiffer penalties depending on the severity of the offence. (1645) [ English ] Bill C-9 strengthens Canada's legal arsenal against hatred and sends a clear signal that hate has no place in our communities. It is the sincere hope of this government and myself that we can come together to consider and study this bill with the aim of making Canada a safer place for all people who live here. [ Translation ] I urge all members to join me in supporting these essential measures.”
“I want to assure my colleagues that this is not a blanket ban on symbols, but rather an offence of limited scope that applies exclusively to the public display of symbols deliberately used to promote hate targeting identifiable groups. The offence has been carefully worded and will not apply to public displays of such symbols for legitimate purposes, such as journalistic, educational or artistic purposes. In addition to these specific offences, Bill C‑9 also proposes to create a new hate crime offence. To address the overall rise of hate in Canada, this new offence would strongly denounce and deter all hate-motivated crimes. This is an important new tool for police and Crown prosecutors across the country.”
“To be clear on this point, the bill specifically includes a defence for any person who attends at or near a place for the sole purpose of obtaining or communicating information. This type of defence already exists for similar offences and its application is clear and well known in the context of protests and picketing activities. As long as it is done in a peaceful manner and access to the place is not significantly impacted, this behaviour would not be targeted by the new proposed offence. The bill also proposes creating a new hate propaganda offence related to the public display of certain hate and terrorist symbols.”
“These two new proposed offences will help ensure that police have clear tools to intervene when the behaviour of certain individuals crosses a line and becomes criminal activity in relation to these places. To be clear, nothing in the two proposed offences would prohibit or restrict the right of individuals to protest in or near these places. These offences apply to criminal conduct. Threats of violence are not forms of peaceful expression or assembly protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For example, if anyone attempts to disrupt a peaceful protest through violence, police can respond appropriately without infringing on the rights of the protesters to express their opinion on a particular issue.”
“Bill C‑9 proposes to enact four new Criminal Code offences that will provide clear but appropriate tools for investigators, Crown prosecutors and judges assigned to cases involving these offences. To address reports of intimidation, harassment, threats and violence at neighbouring religious and cultural institutions, Bill C‑9 proposes to create a specific intimidation offence that prohibits any conduct aimed at instilling fear in someone for the purpose of impeding access to their place of worship or to a place primarily used by an identifiable group for certain purposes. The bill also proposes to create an offence prohibiting anyone from intentionally impeding access to those same places.”
“At this point, I want to assure my colleagues and all Canadians that there will always be room to have difficult conversations and express our disagreement, and that includes exercising freedom of expression and putting it into practice during lawful protests. While this bill is a robust response to hateful behaviour, the proposed reforms have been carefully designed to ensure that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are not unreasonably restricted. This bill does not prevent anyone from protesting or expressing opinions or concerns about an issue. I would like to take a few minutes to discuss the measures proposed in Bill C‑9 to demonstrate how they will support the legal system in responding to these disturbing trends, while respecting our shared rights and values.”
“While these particular media stories focus on anti-Semitic and Islamophobic incidents, we know members of other communities in Canada share similar experiences of hate-motivated conduct, including because they are indigenous, because of the colour of their skin, because of the god they worship or because of who they love. I want to be clear: These incidents are abhorrent and do not reflect the values of Canadian society. While Canada will always be a place to come together and, at times, disagree on issues, there is no place for intimidation and violence in our homes or where communities gather. [ Translation ] This disturbing rise in hate in Canada, and indeed around the world, must be met with strong condemnation and unity.”
“(1640) [ English ] Media reports also continue to highlight the human cost of the spread of hate in our communities. I wish I could say the examples are few. Within the past two years, reports on threats and attacks at places of worship, community centres and religious schools, as well as hate-motivated crime more generally, continue to become more commonplace. To take but a few examples, reporting from Global News, CBC and the Montreal Gazette during this time includes shootings and attacks on and at synagogues and mosques, evacuations of Jewish schools and Muslim community centres because of bomb threats and reports of attacks against Muslim taxi drivers and women wearing a hijab.”
“In 2024, most police-reported hate crimes targeting religion were directed at the Jewish community at 68% and the Muslim community at 17%. These figures and statistics tell only part of the story. The sad reality is that no community is immune to hate. We continue to hear that Canadians no longer feel safe in places of worship, learning and gathering, or in simple day-to-day life. The government is deeply concerned about this situation and has been very clear that it will take successive measures to improve public safety. Bill C-9 is the next step in this regard. Let me be very clear. Regardless of an individual's background or who they are, if Canada is their home, then they deserve to live here in peace and free of hatred.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Nunavut . [ Translation ] Today, I am pleased to speak to Bill C-9 , which proposes reforms to the Criminal Code to better protect access to religious and cultural sites and combat the rise of hate in Canada at a critical time. In 2014, the police recorded 1,295 hate crimes. By 2024, that number had risen sharply to 4,882. Hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity saw a particularly sharp increase, rising from 611 cases in 2014 to 2,377 cases in 2024. Similarly, hate crimes based on religion increased significantly, from 429 cases in 2014 to 1,342 cases in 2024. Since 2020, the Black community has been the most frequently targeted population for hate crimes motivated by race or ethnicity, accounting for 37% of hate crimes in 2024.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague knows full well that the federal government's intervention before the Supreme Court will not prevent any province or territory from continuing to use the notwithstanding clause. That is very clear. She knows that. If there are any concerns, I will be happy to sit down with the member and organize a presentation with the Department of Justice and myself. Our intervention serves to protect Canadians' rights. These rights have been guaranteed for 43 years. This is sacred to Canadians across the country, from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Yukon.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say that I am a member from Quebec. The member opposite knows full well that our government is the party of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Again, our government protects the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and will always do so. The member opposite, all members and all the citizens who elected us in our respective ridings, all Canadians, men and women, old and young, have enjoyed these Charter rights and freedoms for 43 years now. This government knows it is our responsibility to defend one of the pillars—”
“Mr. Speaker, we are working closely with the provinces and territories to reform our bail system, look at sentencing and address court delays. This will give police and prosecutors more effective tools to keep violent offenders off our streets, particularly in cases of violent or organized crime, breaking and entering, car theft and human trafficking. Canadians elected this new government to improve public safety, restore confidence in the justice system and ensure—”
“Mr. Speaker, we are working very hard to be able to introduce legislation shortly. In fact, the Minister of Justice has already committed to introducing a bill in the House this fall. We know that the safety of our communities does not depend on slogans. It is our responsibility. While we are focused on delivering real results, the Conservatives are focused on recycling slogans and fearmongering. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their own communities, and we will take action.”
“Mr. Speaker, judicial appointments to the superior courts are a federal government responsibility. Quebec already participates in the appointment process. We are discussing this in good faith, with no obligation to reach an agreement. The Minister of Justice is in contact with his counterpart, and a meeting is scheduled for September. Judicial independence remains a cornerstone of our democracy.”
“His legacy will live on in every street, every home and every heart of Saint-Léonard because he is, as I have always said, a political institution.”
“Mr. Speaker, after nearly 50 years of unwavering dedication, Mayor Michel Bissonnet has announced that he is retiring. From his first election as mayor in 1978, to his decades as an MNA and his return as mayor in 2008, Michel has been more than a leader. He is the heart and soul of our community. His tireless dedication, openness to everyone and deep love for Saint-Léonard has touched many lives. He built more than just a borough. He built trust, hope and a true sense of belonging. I had the honour of joining his team in 2015 as a city councillor and working alongside him. His mentorship, passion and commitment shaped me in ways that cannot be articulated. I wish to thank Michel from the bottom of my heart.”
“Madam Speaker, extortion is a serious and deeply harmful crime for which the Criminal Code already provides some of the strongest penalties in the world. That being said, we recognize the growing impact of extortion, including new and more sophisticated forms, and this is why this government is committed to doing more. On this side of the House, we know that tackling serious crimes requires more than slogans. It requires strong laws, yes, but also real investments in prevention, in law enforcement and in a justice system that is tough on criminals and smart about protecting our communities. That is the approach Canadians expect from the government, the government that they elected just a few months ago, and I hope the Conservatives will join us in delivering just that.”
“The government also recognizes that no one level of government can address this issue alone, and that co-operation with provincial and territorial partners and law enforcement agencies is vital and essential. By working together, we can better support victims, disrupt organized networks and keep Canadians safe.”
“When both extortion and organized crime charges are laid, the law requires that sentences be served consecutively and not concurrently, further strengthening the penalties imposed. Conditional sentences are not permitted for organized crime-related extortion or for offences punishable by mandatory minimum penalties. This said, the government recognizes that more can be done to further address serious crime including extortion. This is why the government has committed to tougher sentencing for violent and organized crime through measures that focus on denunciation and deterrence and protecting children from sextortion by giving law enforcement agencies and prosecutors the tools they need to bring offenders to justice.”
“In addition, the Criminal Code contains a comprehensive set of offences to particularly protect children and youth from such crimes, including offences related to child pornography and the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Canada's laws also clearly target organized crime, including through specific offences in the Criminal Code under sections 467.11 to 467.13, which address participation in crimes committed for the benefit of such organizations. For instance, someone who scouts businesses as potential targets for extortion or a person making threatening calls on behalf of such a group may be charged with participating in the activities of, or committing an offence for the benefit of, a criminal organization. These charges are in addition to the underlining offence of extortion.”
“Extortion also poses a serious threat to Canadian business owners who receive threats by phone or text demanding payment. Many of these incidents bear the hallmarks of organized crime: coordination, targeted messaging and the use of firearms. The Criminal Code already provides significant penalties to address these situations. First, the offence of extortion is punishable by imprisonment. In cases involving restricted or prohibited firearms or when extortion is committed by any firearm and in connection with a criminal organization, mandatory minimum penalties of five years for a first offence apply, or even seven years for subsequent offences is provided.”
“Madam Speaker, the Government of Canada is deeply concerned by the growing number of Canadians who fall victim to extortion each year. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so too have the tactics used by most who commit extortion. These extortionists are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. They threaten safety in our communities and, most disturbingly, often target the most vulnerable members of our society. Victims of extortion range from youth and families to small business owners. One of the most disturbing forms of extortion is sextortion. In these cases, someone threatens to distribute sexually explicit images or videos, often involving minors, unless the victim complies with demands of money, additional content or other actions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I feel for the member's opposite situation. There are mandatory minimums when it comes to certain offences committed with firearms relating to some crimes. There is a maximum amount for a sentence for repeat offenders: seven years. We take these issues very seriously, and we will be working towards reforms in the coming months.”
“Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague, and Canadians deserve to feel safe in their own communities, which is why we have committed to cracking down on repeat, violent offenders even further, in our platform. We will strengthen the Criminal Code and move aggressively to protect victims by making bail laws stricter for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft and human trafficking. We were given a strong mandate from Canadians to keep our communities safe, and that is exactly what we will do.”
“Throughout this month, Canadians are invited to discover and commemorate the Italian legacy and recognize the ongoing contributions of new generations, which continue to shape our country with passion, dedication and pride. Tanti auguri per il mese del patrimonio Italiano .”
“Mr. Speaker, as an Italian Canadian and member of Parliament representing the riding of Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, I am honoured to rise in recognition of Italian Heritage Month. It is held in June, and Canadians have the opportunity to celebrate the vibrant culture, customs and traditions, as well as the invaluable contributions of Italian communities across Canada. [ Translation ] My Italian heritage has had a profound influence on the person I am today. I am proud and humbled to honour that heritage. [ English ] From the arts to entrepreneurship, from cuisine to fashion, from science and technology to the lifestyle of la dolce vita, the influence of Italian Canadians is woven into the fabric of our society.”