Arielle Kayabaga
London West, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Madam Speaker, earlier a member of the opposition talked about the fact that they were not filibustering, yet she was the one who actually told the story about an elephant in a discussion of Bill C-30 , where there is money that has to go out to people who need more housing in a faster way.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, the member has been at the municipal level before, and we know that we cannot build homes without cities and without partnerships with the provinces and municipalities.”
“Earlier, Mr. Speaker, the member's colleague who sits on committee with me said he feels we are not listening. I talked about the fact that we did extensive collaboration.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated my colleague's speech. Of course, we all know that our systems and institutions are very robust in Canada, and I know my hon. colleague touched on that in his speech. Can he tell us more about what Canadians stand to gain from this bill?”
“Mr. Speaker, what I find interesting from the member opposite, who also sits on the committee with me, is the fact that he said he is not buying what we are selling, though we worked in collaboration with their team to bring the bill forward as quickly as possible.”
“Bad actors may try to interfere with our democratic processes and our elections from anywhere in the world at any time. Despite these challenges, the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions confirmed that our elections are safe.”
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“Madam Speaker, earlier a member of the opposition talked about the fact that they were not filibustering, yet she was the one who actually told the story about an elephant in a discussion of Bill C-30 , where there is money that has to go out to people who need more housing in a faster way. Could the minister talk about the fact that while opposition members continue to say we are stopping debate, they are talking about elephants in a debate about money that needs to go out for the construction of housing?”
“Earlier, Mr. Speaker, the member's colleague who sits on committee with me said he feels we are not listening. I talked about the fact that we did extensive collaboration. This is one of the most fast-tracked bills that I personally have witnessed since I have been a member of Parliament, because of the expert input we brought on and the collaboration that happened between all parties in the House. Can the member comment on what exactly in this bill the Conservatives cannot support and what they can support?”
“Mr. Speaker, what I find interesting from the member opposite, who also sits on the committee with me, is the fact that he said he is not buying what we are selling, though we worked in collaboration with their team to bring the bill forward as quickly as possible. Maybe he could help all members of the House let Canadians know which parts of the bill he supports and which he does not support.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated my colleague's speech. Of course, we all know that our systems and institutions are very robust in Canada, and I know my hon. colleague touched on that in his speech. Can he tell us more about what Canadians stand to gain from this bill? I would also like to hear him speak about the collaboration that made it possible to move this bill forward in a very short time.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, the member has been at the municipal level before, and we know that we cannot build homes without cities and without partnerships with the provinces and municipalities. My city of London has been a great example of how those partnerships have yielded a lot of funding from the housing accelerator fund, yet we have seen the opposition take jabs at mayors. Can you talk about the importance of partnerships with mayors and provinces to make sure that we can build the homes that are needed across Canada fast?”
“Mr. Speaker, I used to be a staffer here. I remember a time when we all used our time in the House to inform Canadians, not mislead them, not switch information to sound like what it is not. I really want us to get back to that place.”
“Mr. Speaker, I deeply appreciate my colleague, who is also a member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. She took part in a number of discussions with experts and witnesses that highlighted the importance of protecting our elections. As I mentioned earlier, we are following the recommendations of the Chief Electoral Officer and other experts. The world is changing. We know that we already have a robust system, but we have to keep putting security measures in place to protect our elections and maintain Canadians' trust in our institutions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I often appreciate the questions asked by my colleague opposite. He usually seems quite reasonable. We have been staying here later than usual for the past few days. I think that a bit of fatigue is setting in. I am sure he will have other opportunities to ask rather more serious questions.”
“Mr. Speaker, my hon. colleague sits on the committee with me. We have had this conversation extensively. We agree that the 10% in the bill would actually prevent foreign money from going into our elections. The reporting measures in this bill have been recommended by experts. We believe these are strong measures to make sure we can keep track of where foreign money is coming from and to make sure Canadians understand where funds are coming from that go into our elections.”
“[ English ] In closing, Bill C-25 , the strong and free elections act, would further strengthen and secure Canada's federal elections through targeted, priority amendments that were recommended by experts and would ensure that our legislative framework remains resilient in a consistently evolving threat environment. I urge my colleagues and all members of the House to support this really important bill.”
“For example, the home addresses of returning officers will no longer be made public; candidates will receive higher reimbursements for their personal security expenses; and the rules governing regulated fundraising activities will be amended. The last part of the bill I would like to highlight concerns the important mandate of the independent commissioner of Canada elections, who is responsible for ensuring the implementation and enforcement of the Canada Elections Act. Bill C-25 will strengthen the tools available to the commissioner to fulfill this mandate.”
“Not only do these long ballots pose significant accessibility issues for voters and election officials, particularly those with disabilities, but they can also delay vote counting. That is what we heard during the study on unduly long ballots conducted by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. I am therefore pleased to note that what has been proposed in Bill C-25 is fully in line with all of the committee's legislative recommendations. I would add that this is one of the most robust and collaborative processes I have seen to date. At a time when security is a growing concern within our political system, Bill C-25 proposes new safeguards.”
“To address this emerging issue, Bill C-25 would amend the prohibition on impersonation to cover video and audio manipulation, such as deepfakes, and extend its application to nomination and leadership candidates, who are also vulnerable to such threats. (2155) [ Translation ] When Canadians go to the polls, they expect to see a ballot that lists the candidates who have a legitimate desire to stand for election and to represent their constituents if elected. That is a fundamental principle of our system of government. However, this is not the case in ridings targeted by those seeking to create excessively long ballots. Instead, Canadians are inundated with the names of people who have neither the desire nor the intention to ever represent the voters' interests.”
“More specifically, the bill would prohibit the deliberate dissemination of false information regarding an election or the electoral process with the intent to interfere with the conduct or results of an election, while respecting the principles of freedom of expression and open dialogue that are at the heart of our democracy. Another source of misinformation is the potential misuse of technology, which Bill C-25 would also be addressing. As we all know, technology has helped revolutionize democracies around the world, but it also carries several risks. For example, content generated by artificial intelligence has become increasingly difficult to distinguish from reality. When combined with disinformation, AI such as deepfakes can pose significant threats.”
“These amendments will strengthen transparency regarding the source of funds and will mitigate the risk of foreign and covert funds interfering in our elections, without depriving third parties acting in good faith of the ability to exercise their right to participate in the democratic process. The next point I want to highlight this evening is how Bill C-25 tackles the problem of disinformation. Disinformation is a key tactic aimed at stoking division and eroding public trust in all of our democratic processes. Disinformation always seeks to manipulate voters through false information that is deliberately disseminated, often online. [ English ] The amendments proposed in Bill C-25 would strengthen our democratic institutions through new and expanded prohibitions designed to counter this threat.”
“This includes prohibiting the use of contributions in the form of cryptoassets and prepaid money orders for all activities conducted by political actors or for regulated activities conducted by third parties. It is important to note that under Bill C‑25, third parties will only be permitted to use contributions they have received from Canadian citizens and permanent residents to pay for regulated election expenses. However, we understand, as we have heard at the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, that not all third parties receive contributions and that some may wish to use their own revenues to cover regulated expenses. In this case, third parties whose contributions represent 10% or less of their annual funds will be able to use their own funds to finance regulated activities.”
“First, it would expand the prohibitions regarding undue foreign influence, offering or accepting a bribe, misleading publications that claim to come from someone that they are not, and broadcasting outside Canada with the intent to unduly influence voters to apply at any time, not just during the election period. This protection would also be applied to nomination and leadership contests. [ Translation ] In addition, Bill C-25 extends the extraterritorial application of certain offences to ensure that bad actors operating outside Canada can also be investigated and held accountable for their illegal acts. Bill C‑25 also proposes important new financing rules to increase transparency and prevent anonymous, foreign and covert money from entering our democratic system.”
“Through Bill C-25 , our government is acting on the recommendations that were made during the public inquiry into foreign interference, as well as those that were made by the Chief Electoral Officer and the commissioner of Canada elections. Bill C-25 proposes to further strengthen and secure Canada's federal elections through several new measures. Allow me to elaborate a bit on those. As I mentioned at the outset, interference in elections can occur at any point, and it is not just in elections. Bill C-25 addresses this issue in several ways.”
“Bad actors may try to interfere with our democratic processes and our elections from anywhere in the world at any time. Despite these challenges, the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions confirmed that our elections are safe. However, we must continue to ensure that Canada's democracy remains one of the strongest in the world and that it continues to be protected from persistent threats, regardless of the circumstances. (2150) [ English ] That is why, in keeping with this long-standing tradition of continually improving the Canada Elections Act, our government is proposing priority amendments to address these threats. It is essential that we draw on the knowledge and experience of experts when proposing changes to our democratic electoral system.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have obtained the unanimous consent of the House to share my time. I am pleased to rise in the House of Commons today to speak to Bill C‑25 , the strong and free elections act. Bill C‑25 makes changes to the Canada Elections Act that will improve the strength and resilience of Canada's electoral system. As we all know, one of the pillars of our democracy is our electoral system, and the Canada Elections Act is the foundation of that system. The act is already recognized around the world for its rigorous administrative procedures, robust political financing regime and strict spending limits. However, we know that no democracy, including ours, is immune to the growing threats to elections that aim to undermine trust in our democratic electoral processes.”
“Introduction moved for leave to introduce An Act to establish National Agricultural Innovation Day . She said: Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to introduce a bill entitled An Act to establish National Agricultural Innovation Day . (Motion deemed adopted) Arielle Kayabaga: Mr. Speaker, while I am on my feet, I move: Motion That the House do now proceed to orders of the day.”
“As we reflect on the legacy of the Afzaal family, let us recommit ourselves to confronting Islamophobia, rejecting hatred in all its forms and building a Canada where everyone can live safely and with dignity. The Afzaal family will never be forgotten.”
“Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I joined members of our London community for the annual remembering “our London family” vigil and march, marking the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attack that took the lives of Salman, Madiha, Yumnah and Talat Afzaal because they were Muslim. I also had the privilege of spending time with members of the Afzaal family, whose courage and resilience continue to inspire all of us across our city. I would like to thank the Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia for organizing this important commemoration and for its continued advocacy to build a more inclusive and compassionate world. I also want to thank my colleagues who joined me in London for this event.”
“Mr. Speaker, obviously, Canadians are not slow. They understand that transitions are tough. They understand the kinds of situations we have been in in the last couple of years, whether they were because of COVID or the unjustified tariffs that Canadians have experienced across the board. I am curious to know what the member opposite thinks Canadians think of him and his party when they see him get excited about Canadians not doing well.”
“[ Translation ] I also wish to inform the House that Monday will be the final allotted day in this financial cycle. On Wednesday, we will begin studying the Senate amendments to Bill C-14 , an act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act regarding bail and sentencing. On Thursday, we will begin second reading debate of Bill C‑26 , which seeks to improve housing supply.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on building a stronger Canadian economy while ensuring that Canadian businesses remain competitive. We recognize the challenges that are faced across the country by manufacturers, and we have been taking action to support our businesses and manufacturing companies across the country. Unlike the opposition, we believe that growing an economy and reducing emissions can and must go hand in hand. We will continue to work with industries, provinces and workers to ensure that Canada remains competitive, while advancing our economy and our environmental objectives as well. On that note, this afternoon we will continue to debate Bill C‑16 , the protecting victims act. Tomorrow and then Tuesday of next week, we will call Bill C‑20 , the build Canada homes act, at report stage and third reading.”
“These families are not asking for sympathy; they are asking for equity, dignity and the opportunity for loved ones to live full lives. I want to thank FPWR Canada and the families, caregivers, researchers and advocates who continue to push for progress and bring hope for rare disease communities across Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, May was Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to recognize individuals and families across Canada living with the rare genetic disorder that requires lifelong medical, behavioural and social support. Last Wednesday, families from across the country gathered on Parliament Hill for FPWR Canada's first day on the Hill, raising awareness and advocating for stronger support, timely access to therapies and more inclusive policies for Canadians living with rare diseases. This cause is especially meaningful to me, because one of those remarkable children is Olivier, my very own nephew. Like so many families, ours has witnessed both the incredible resilience of individuals living with Prader-Willi syndrome and the daily challenges they face.”
“Madam Speaker, it is really interesting to hear the comments that are being made in the House. I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to talk to regional mayors in southwestern Ontario and other leaders in our community who are seized with our economic development and the things that we need to do to continue to grow our region. The one answer that we have heard is that the government is responding fast, given the challenges that we are already facing. Maybe the minister can comment on the fact that we are in a situation we have never been in before. We need to move fast, and we need to work with everyone, including Parliament of course. Why are the Conservatives so stuck on continuing to drag on debate when people are asking us to move fast so our economy can continue to grow?”
“Mr. Speaker, I also want to extend a warm welcome to my colleague for her maiden speech in the House. On that note, I want to ask my colleague what she thinks about the fact that the opposition really is pushing a motion to try to overstep culture and protection of culture for our communities here in Canada, especially for francophone communities. Can my colleague comment on why it is important that we oppose this motion?”
“Tomorrow and Monday, we will continue second reading debate on Bill C-31 , a second act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025. (1515) [ Translation ] I also wish to inform the House that Tuesday will be an allotted day. Finally, on Wednesday and Thursday, we will move on to the third reading report stage of Bill C-16 , the protecting victims act.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very surprising to hear that the Conservative Party still uses Justin Trudeau as its only plan to try to get into the hearts of Canadians. Unfortunately, in April 2025, Canadians elected a new government to do the business of the people of Canada. On that note, I want to take the opportunity to wish my friend and colleague the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie a great time as he takes the next step in his life. I thank him for the amazing work he has done for this country on environment and climate change. I also thank him for his contribution to this caucus and to this Parliament as a minister, as a member of Parliament and as a great friend and colleague to all of us. This evening we will have debate in committee of the whole on the main estimates for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible contributions of the Ukrainian community in London, Ontario, and in particular the Ukrainian Centre and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of London. As we mark Vyshyvanka Day, a celebration of heritage, resilience and identity, we honour not only tradition but action. In London, Ukrainian Canadians have opened their doors, organized support networks and welcomed families fleeing war with compassion and dignity. They have raised funds, sent humanitarian aid and stood firmly with Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Their work strengthens our community here at home while making a difference abroad. I thank all those involved, all of our friends, Daria and many more, for showing us what solidarity truly looks like. I want to wish them all a happy celebration on Vyshyvanka Day.”
“Speaker, I thank my colleague for making sure that important comment was made. Sterilization disproportionately affects marginalized women, women who people think no one is going to look for, women who did not have the support system—”
“Mr. Speaker, for the sake of utilizing our time correctly, in talking about the importance of Bill S-228 , I want to build on what my colleague was talking about: the importance of making sure that women across Canada have the opportunity to be consulted when they need to make decisions about family planning. Obviously, this issue has affected women in Canada, indigenous women disproportionately, and Black women. I want to take this opportunity to talk about the fact that tomorrow is Red Dress Day, an important day for indigenous women, when we remember the missing and murdered indigenous women across Canada. This is an opportunity for everyone in Canada to be aware of the issues that disproportionately affect indigenous women— An hon. member: And people with disabilities. Hon. Arielle Kayabaga: —as well as people with disabilities. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions amongst the parties, and if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent to adopt the following motion: Motion That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole in order to welcome Canada's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes, provided that: (a) the Speaker make welcoming remarks on behalf of the House; (b) the names of the athletes present be deemed read and printed in the House of Commons Debates for that day; (c) when the proceedings of the committee have concluded, the committee shall rise; and (d) only authorized photographers be permitted to take photos during the proceedings of the committee.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have been listening to the Conservatives' position on anything that supports Canadians moving forward and Canadians having opportunities to grow our wealth and to grow our economy. Unless it is their idea, they are against it. Listening to them talk, it is almost like they are against Canada. They are talking about unlocking opportunities for Canadians, yet they constantly vote against Canadians. Can my hon. colleague tell me why they continue to vote against Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am rising on a point of order. I think that the member is well aware that he cannot mention who is or is not in the House of Commons. That is something we all know, so he should stop playing these political games.”
“Mr. Speaker, on the same point of order, the member did not mention anything of the sort. She called out what she felt were disrespectful comments from the member opposite, and she asked for an apology.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that our dear friend and colleague on the other side misses preaching at church. I almost enjoyed that and forgot that he was talking about not consulting. This is actually the essence of the motion. He talked about our indigenous friends across Canada, and he talked about Harper. Harper did not consult indigenous communities when he made those cuts. We are providing the opportunity to consult Canadians. As lovely as it was to listen to him talk, I think the member fails to answer the question of why we are consulting indigenous communities across Canada. Can the member talk about that? Why would he take that away from indigenous communities that are actually asking to be consulted to make sure that this happens?”
“on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Speaker shall interrupt the proceedings to permit the Minister of Finance and National Revenue to make a statement followed by a period of up to 10 minutes for questions and comments; after the statement, a member from each recognized opposition party, a member of the New Democratic Party and the member of the Green Party may reply for a period approximately equivalent to the time taken by the minister's statement, and each statement shall be followed by a period of 10 minutes for questions and comments; and after each member has replied, or when no member wishes to speak, whichever is earlier, the House shall adjourn to the next sitting day.”
“Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent to adopt the following motion: Motion That, notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, at 4:00 p.m.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague just made a great speech. We care about young people and young people getting jobs, which is why he talked about it. The minister of jobs announced that there will be some jobs for young people in many ridings across the country. Obviously, this morning we were to talk about the Parliamentary Budget Officer, who was supposed to be accepted by and voted on in this House, as the government House leader announced yesterday. Can the member talk about young people's jobs in his riding and the importance of having the budget officer's appointment adopted by the House?”
“Supporting immunization means investing in a safer and healthier future for children. I encourage all members of this House to recognize World Immunization Week and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the health of children everywhere around the world.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we approach World Immunization Week, observed from April 24 to 30, I rise to highlight the vital importance of routine immunization, both here in Canada and around the world. Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to protect children under the age of five from preventable and life-threatening diseases. Thanks to global immunization efforts, millions of lives have been saved and we are closer than ever to eradicating polio, a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and death. However, at a time when global health systems are under strain and international aid is declining, continued leadership and commitment are more important than ever. In London West and across Canada, we know that strong communities are built on healthy foundations.”
“In respect to the parent act rule, section 16.75 states, “In the case of a bill referred to a committee after second reading, an amendment is generally inadmissible if it proposes to amend a statute that is not before the committee or a section of the parent act”. In light of the foregoing, I would request that the Speaker review the bill as amended and make a determination if the amendments proposed through CPC-1, CPC-10, BQ-2, CPC-16, NDP-4, and BQ-3 either infringe on the parent act rule or exceed the scope and principle of Bill C-11 . Should this be the case, I would request that the Speaker order that the bill be reprinted without the offending amendments for the House's consideration at report stage. (1215)”
“Page 649 of the fourth edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice , at section 16.74, sets the limitation of amendments moved in committee to a bill that is adopted after second reading. This limitation, which deals with the scope and principle of the bill, reads, “An amendment to a bill that was referred to a committee after second reading is out of order if it is beyond the scope and principle of the bill.” Page 649 of the fourth edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice , at section 16.75, provides that an amendment to a bill must always relate to the subject matter of the bill or to the clause under consideration.”
“BQ-2 would have required the establishment of an inspector general for sexual misconduct in the Canadian Forces, which would not only exceed the scope and principle of the bill but could also infringe on the Crown's financial initiative. The chair ruled that the establishment of a new inspector general was a new concept beyond the scope of this particular bill. I submit that the committee, in adopting these six amendments, exceeded the scope of the bill or infringed on the parent act rule. A bill that is referred to a committee after second reading may not exceed the scope and principle of the bill fixed at second reading and would obviate the ability to amend sections of the parent act that are not opened in the bill.”
“CPC-16 would require the chief military judge to be appointed within 90 days of the position's vacancy, and since Bill C-11 would not modify the appointment process of the chief military judge, this amendment seeks to exceed the scope of the bill. The chair ruled that, while the bill would not modify the appointment process of specific positions, the position of chief military judge was not included and therefore the amendment exceeded the scope of the bill. NDP-4 seeks to ensure that every person involved in the investigation or prosecution has training or experience in trauma-informed approaches. The chair ruled that this amendment proposed a new concept that exceeded the scope and principle of the bill.”
“Therefore, the chair ruled the amendment was inadmissible on the grounds that it exceeded the scope and principle of the bill. CPC-10 would have extended the appointment of a victim's liaison officer to assist a victim to the accused. The chair ruled that, pursuant to section 16.74 of the fourth edition of House of Commons Procedure and Practice , the amendment proposed a new concept that went beyond the scope of the bill. BQ-3 would have expanded the class of persons who are eligible to be appointed as a military judge. The chair ruled that this concept proposed in BQ-3 went beyond the scope of the bill.”