← LEADERSHIP TERMINAL

HOUSE OF COMMONS · FORMER

Parm Bains

Richmond East—Steveston, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

If successful, Montrose would become an official party to the litigation, and the record would be reopened so the court could receive Montrose's evidence and submissions, including submissions related to the impacts of the ruling.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

Mr. Speaker, I think that if we listened to colleagues who spoke earlier, the fearmongering we are talking about has to do with what the members opposite are implying: that private property lands will be taken away. I come back to the issue at hand. This is a provincial matter.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

Besides the federal Crown, there are five other defendants in the litigation: the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Government of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, the Musqueam first nation, and the Tsawwassen First Nation. The litigation began in November 2014.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

On August 7, 2025, the British Columbia Supreme Court delivered its decision, ruling that the Cowichan hold aboriginal title over approximately 40% of the claimed area, as well as an aboriginal right to fish for food in the south arm of the Fraser River.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

Three related private real estate companies, which I will refer to as Montrose, operate in Richmond and claim they are the largest landowner in the declared Cowichan title area. Montrose has applied to the British Columbia Supreme Court to reopen the trial, be added as a party and file new evidence and argument.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

We know that Canada defended the validity of fee simple title granted by the Crown at trial. Canada also defended the principle of transparency in this trial, particularly for parties that are not directly involved in this case but that may be affected by its outcome.

SITTING 119 · 2026-05-06 · READ IN HANSARD

The complete record

Every one of 132 lines we hold for Parm Bains, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.

  1. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my dear friend and colleague from Kingston for his passionate speech and for talking about the importance of having meaningful dialogue in the House. He spoke about opportunities. British Columbians in Richmond and people from across the country want to know what opportunities we are working on right now. Could he shed some light on real, meaningful things that are happening for Canada and what our Prime Minister is doing for this country, with a focus on what really matters? Like the legendary artist DJ Quik said, “If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense”.

    SITTING 74 · 2026-01-27 · READ IN HANSARD

  2. Madam Chair, again, I empathize with every British Columbian standing up today and asking questions and talking about this. An hon. member: They don't want EI; they want their jobs back. Parm Bains: Madam Chair, we are not talking about handouts. Workers need support at a time when we are negotiating a deal, and we have to get the best deal for their families. What we are hearing from the other side is to just give them any deal, with no consequences regarding a potential strong future for the industry. What we are talking about is prosperity for the industry and looking forward to a stronger industry. In the meantime, we need to ensure we are there for the families.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  3. Madam Chair, when a tree falls, the earth shakes, and it was not us who made the tree fall. If we look at the fact that the United States has chosen to take up this fight with a trusted partner, we are doing what we are supposed to do to help the industry. We are not only providing supports for the industry and the affected workers and families; we are also helping the industry move forward in different ways.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  4. Madam Chair, I thought the member opposite was going into his speech. Quite frankly, I am not sure I heard the question, but I empathize with every member who is concerned about the forestry industry and what is happening with the challenges we are facing with the United States and the tariff issues. If the member had listened to what I talked about, he would know that I spoke a lot about diversifying the supports we are offering the industry at a critical time right now when we know that we need to get the best deal for Canadians, not just any deal.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  5. This includes $700 million for the Business Development Bank of Canada to ensure companies have financing and credit support, and $500 million towards Natural Resources Canada's forestry programs to support market and product diversification. The government is committed to leveraging procurement as a means to prioritize the use of domestic lumber and steel in housing, construction and federal procurement. The government remains committed, working with Canadian workers and industry to ensure that the Canadian economy comes out of this turbulent period in a stronger and more resilient position than before.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  6. This is part of the government's industrial strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains by strengthening domestic firms through investments focused on productivity improvements and market diversification. These investments will strengthen Canada's industrial base in the face of continued global uncertainty. The government also recognizes that certain economic sectors are more exposed to tariffs than others given targeted action by the United States, and that is why we are taking targeted action to help industries, such as the forestry and softwood lumber sectors. To ensure the forestry and softwood lumber sectors remain competitive and that they transform to succeed in a new geopolitical and trade order, the government is investing $1.2 billion to unlock the full potential of the industry.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  7. In the face of the unjustified tariffs from the United States, the government is supporting Canadian workers and firms through a range of industrial supports to build a more resilient economy. For example, to help companies recover from U.S. tariffs and support innovation, the government announced $5 billion towards the strategic response fund. This new program will help tariff-impacted firms to adapt, diversify and grow by supporting projects that build economic resilience, strengthen supply chains and pivot firms to better serve the domestic or international markets. Additionally, to support small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by tariffs, the government is providing $1 billion to Canada's regional development agencies for the regional tariff response initiative, or RTRI.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  8. As a result, the Canadian economy finds itself at a crossroads. As a government, we are focused on building our strength at home, investing in domestic production and diversifying trade with stable and reliable economic partners and allies. Inherently, we are implementing a new industrial strategy that will transform our economy to make it more competitive, more productive and more resilient towards global shocks, including U.S. tariffs. Richmond has a strong wood products sector, which is why I continue to work with the BC Council of Forest Industries. In 2022, forestry accounted for one-quarter of B.C.'s exports, contributed $17.4 billion to provincial GDP, raised $6.6 billion in taxes and accounted for over 100,000 jobs.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  9. Madam Chair, I would like to inform my colleague from the Bloc Québécois that it is not just Quebeckers who are concerned about the forestry industry. I will be sharing my time with my dear friend, the member for Trois-Rivières . As a B.C. member of Parliament, this issue hits close to home, as it does for all British Columbians. It affects communities from Richmond to Prince George, which is why I will be speaking about what we are doing to support this critical industry. As members are well aware, the global trade landscape is fundamentally changing as a result of increasingly persistent geopolitical tensions and persistent unfair trade practices. This transformation is also occurring in parallel with technological advancements, such as the increased adoption of artificial intelligence.

    SITTING 60 · 2025-11-25 · READ IN HANSARD

  10. Mr. Speaker, if the member looks at the plan that the Prime Minister has introduced for lowering the debt, it is the first time in Canadian history that we have seen an operational budget that has been split from an investment, or capital spending, budget. It was outlined in budget 2025, the “Canada Strong” budget, that $60 billion of operational spending will be reduced in the next five years. I think those are the savings the member may have missed.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  11. Mr. Speaker, the Canada Infrastructure Bank does amazing work. My time right now is being spent at the industry and technology committee. Every witness we have had at that committee has talked about reinvesting in Canada, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank helps us do that. I can give an example: In my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, there is a district energy project that the Canada Infrastructure Bank is going to fund that will be providing energy for 25 new towers at Lansdowne Centre, right in the middle of Richmond, B.C. We are looking forward to that project getting going.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  12. Mr. Speaker, the member does great work at the mighty OGGO committee, which I miss dearly. I like the MURB program. I think it is a fantastic model where Canadians can engage, help, and be part of the solution to build more homes. With respect to how that framework works, there is still a lot of work to do. I am happy to speak with the member across some time to talk about how we can implement some of those solutions to get the MURB program going, but if we look at the measures that have been taken right now, they are bold measures. They bring one entity together with multiple programs to help efficiently move these programs forward to build homes for Canadians.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  13. The Government of Canada has set out a long-term, comprehensive and flexible plan to make housing more affordable and accessible for Canadians. Build Canada Homes will change the way we build homes in this country. Bringing forward ambitious and practical solutions, the agency will not act alone. It will work in close partnership with developers, investors, manufacturers, provinces, municipalities and territories, as well as indigenous partners, to get housing financed and built. Build Canada Homes is an integral part of a broader range of Government of Canada measures to increase the supply of housing, make housing more affordable and accessible, and lead to transformative change in Canada's housing system. Its model exemplifies the work our government is doing to accelerate growth and help make Canada the strongest economy in the G7.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  14. To streamline federal efforts and leverage development expertise, responsibility for Canada Lands Company has been transferred under the portfolio of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure . As part of the federal government's bold response to Canada's housing crisis, Canada Lands Company's land and development expertise is transferring under the newly launched Build Canada Homes. This marks a strategic shift in how federal lands and development expertise are mobilized to accelerate affordable housing delivery across the country. Build Canada Homes will apply a direct build approach to oversee and lead the construction of affordable, mixed-income communities. The direct build approach is one example of how Build Canada Homes will work to improve the availability of affordable housing for those who have been priced out of the market.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  15. Budget 2025 also announced that the Canada Infrastructure Bank's target for investments in indigenous infrastructure that benefits first nations, Inuit and Métis communities across its priority sectors will increase from at least $1 billion to at least $3 billion. The government will work with first nations, Inuit and Métis partners to identify and support indigenous housing needs and priorities. Richmond, my hometown, is one of Canada's most desirable housing markets. To help address affordability, the government created the housing accelerator fund to expedite construction. That fund is supporting the construction of at least 220 affordable rental units in Richmond, and the rapid housing initiative added another 25 units for women and women with children. I am working closely with the city to deliver more.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  16. The Canada Infrastructure Bank gets infrastructure projects built by leveraging private and institutional capital. The government will continue to leverage its expertise to find key strategic investments on a national scale. In budget 2025, the “Canada Strong” budget, the Government of Canada announced its intention to amend the Canada Infrastructure Bank to increase the Canada Infrastructure Bank's statutory capital envelope from $35 billion to $45 billion. With this amount, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank will be able to invest more and more rapidly across its established sectors as well as in projects that have been referred to the Major Projects Office, regardless of sector or asset class, as long as they fall within the bank's legal mandate. This will unlock more projects with the partnership of private investment.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  17. Through this framework, Build Canada Homes will leverage public capital to unlock stalled projects, will attract private and philanthropic investment, and will scale up innovative construction methods that reduce costs and accelerate delivery. The initial focus will be on shovel-ready projects that are financially sustainable and capable of generating long-term community impact, with particular emphasis on housing for low- and moderate-income households. (1645) To support projects that deliver long-term affordability, sustainability and community benefit, Build Canada Homes will offer a suite of flexible financial options, including low-interest loans, equity investments, contributions and guarantees. Proposals will be evaluated on affordability outcomes, speed of delivery, financial viability and long-term community impact.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  18. The investment policy framework establishes clear investment priorities, guiding principles and eligibility criteria, creating a more flexible, strategic and outcome-driven approach to housing development. Under the investment policy framework, Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that are ready to build, affordable and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on partnerships. Projects will leverage modern construction methods like modular and factory-built housing to cut costs and speed up delivery. Projects will also use Canadian materials to strengthen supply chains and support local manufacturing.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  19. By prioritizing modern methods of construction such as factory-built housing, Build Canada Homes will spark a more productive homebuilding industry, creating a steady demand for factory-built housing, which is expected to speed up delivery, reduce costs and improve sustainability. Working in partnership with non-profits, indigenous organizations, private developers and all orders of government, Build Canada Homes is accelerating the delivery of housing that Canadians need: faster, smarter and more affordable. On November 22, 2025, Build Canada Homes released its investment policy framework, marking a significant milestone in its mission to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing across Canada.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  20. By leveraging public lands and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, Build Canada Homes is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector. Build Canada Homes works differently than previous government entities by combining flexible financial tools, including low-interest loans, equity investments, contributions and guarantees. With land access and development expertise under one roof, it will make large-scale mixed-market developments financially viable and attract private capital and safeguard long-term affordability. The agency will work in partnership to reduce risk, address barriers and guide projects through the development phases.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  21. Build Canada Homes has a mandate to move quickly, marked by the Prime Minister 's announcement of its first four investments and initiatives. It complements measures the government has introduced to remove local barriers, reduce development costs, fund essential infrastructure and incentivize purpose-built rentals. It leverages programs like the Canada housing infrastructure fund, the Canada community-building fund, the Canada public transit fund and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's housing programs, such as the apartment construction loan program and mortgage loan insurance products, to make projects viable. Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency, with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  22. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here speaking to budget 2025, a Canada strong budget, and, specifically, elaborating on actions the Government of Canada has proposed to take on housing and infrastructure. I will share how the government is building on previous investments in housing by introducing more options for Canadians who need housing they can attain. Federal efforts require construction and funding that can deliver. In response, the Government of Canada has outlined a comprehensive framework for moving forward, one that would accelerate the construction of affordable housing at scale. On September 14, 2025, the Government of Canada launched Build Canada Homes with an initial capitalization of $13 billion.

    SITTING 59 · 2025-11-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  23. Mr. Speaker, last spring, my hometown of Richmond voted for a government that would develop clean, reliable electricity to power our economy. In British Columbia, the north coast transmission line has just been referred to the Major Projects Office. It will twin key transmission corridors, reinforce B.C.'s clean grid in the northwest and support industry while connecting communities. Can the minister explain how this project will support B.C. jobs and lower emissions while helping Canada realize its potential as a critical mineral producer and clean energy superpower?

    SITTING 56 · 2025-11-19 · READ IN HANSARD

  24. Mr. Speaker, just prior to the member's speech, we heard a speech from a Richmond city councillor who is also currently sitting as the member of Parliament for Richmond Centre—Marpole . I got a little chuckle out of his speech because he talked about wasteful spending. Let us look at the Lulu Island waste-water treatment plant, the Iona waste-water treatment plant and a number of infrastructure investments that were done in Richmond, British Columbia, my hometown, like the pump stations, the dykes, and the soccer field at the Olympic Oval, which is in the member for Richmond Centre—Marpole 's riding. He took photos with me at every announcement. I am curious. Does the member opposite thinks that is wasteful investment for our city, as he said, or should we not continue to have this money go back to the communities that are important—

    SITTING 52 · 2025-11-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  25. Mr. Speaker, Canada's forestry industry, anchored in my home province of British Columbia, is not just a regional asset; it is a national economic engine. I recently met with the BC Council of Forest Industries and forest sector leaders to discuss how we can support this valuable sector, which provides over 200,000 jobs and contributes over $25 billion to our GDP. The United States' tariffs on softwood lumber are hurting both Canadian producers and American consumers, as well as related industries. While the Conservatives want us to sign any sort of deal, our government is working toward getting the best deal for Canadians and the impacted sectors. In the meantime, can the Minister of Industry—

    SITTING 46 · 2025-10-29 · READ IN HANSARD

  26. Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, known for having the longest life expectancy in Canada, was recently recognized as Canada's most active city, winning the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, presented by Novo Nordisk. ParticipACTION is a national charity that has been dedicated to promoting physical activity in Canada since 1971. The most active city award came with $100,000 to support physical activity and sport in our community. Since the community challenge began in 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $1.5 million to communities across Canada. I want to congratulate my community for its commitment to physical activity, and all communities that participated in the challenge. A healthier Canada is possible if we make room to move.

    SITTING 41 · 2025-10-21 · READ IN HANSARD

  27. Mr. Speaker, fentanyl, precursors and issues related to crime and strengthening our borders have had an impact on our communities. Over time, these issues change and evolve, and we need to evolve and bring in new measures. That is what we are doing at this point. If we look at strengthening the borders by adding police and CBSA officers, with the new search warrant measures and all the resources and tools they would be given, everything from going after ghost guns, which we announced earlier to new offences, such as in Bill C-70 with respect to transnational threats, that is a holistic approach. There is a whole level of different measures we have put forward to combat the ever-evolving challenges that this country is facing.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  28. Mr. Speaker, I think we are all looking forward to the budget on November 4, and we will see many of those measures in it. With respect to the member's question on how many officers have been hired, we have committed to 1,000 police officers and 1,000 CBSA officers. Just last week, I had the opportunity to make that announcement in British Columbia, and it was very welcome by all police agencies that are impacted by the issues we have talked about in communities.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  29. Mr. Speaker, the member is still the chair of OGGO, and I look forward to, at some point, maybe sitting in or substituting for somebody. I know of the very important work the committee does, and I miss it. As for the member's question, perhaps the chair of OGGO could have representatives of Canada Post come to the committee and further share their thoughts. As I mentioned, this is important work that needs to be done. There are major challenges our country and communities are facing with respect to fentanyl and the flow of precursors. If we look at the negative impact that has had on our communities, we see that it is important to make sure Canada Post, with a warrant, I would add, is co-operating.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  30. colleagues in the House, I too want fentanyl off our streets. Together, let us keep our communities and children safe by supporting the bill.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  31. We also need to address the flow of chemicals used to produce fentanyl. Criminal groups mislabel precursors used to produce fentanyl to smuggle them into the country. Often these chemicals enter Canada legally to support the production of legal goods. To disrupt the flow of illegal fentanyl, the bill would create a new accelerated scheduling pathway to make it easier for the Minister of Health to order limits on precursor chemicals to ensure that they are used legitimately. (1540) We have already made significant progress toward strengthening our border, but the measures in the bill would make our country even safer. By stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl, reinforcing our immigration and asylum systems and cracking down on money laundering and terrorist financing, we will keep our country strong and safe. Like all of my hon.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  32. Police could not just open our mail; they would be required to obtain a warrant from a judge to lawfully search and seize letter mail during an investigation. The provisions would bring Canada Post in line with other mail couriers such as FedEx and Purolator. The change would, notably, help remote indigenous communities and rural municipalities in their efforts to intercept dangerous illegal drugs such as fentanyl, which is often delivered through the mail via Canada Post. The Minister of Public Safety has heard from these communities, and they are supporting the measures. ln fact, they have been calling on us to do this. The Mushkegowuk Council stated that the government's proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act are a good first step in addressing current enforcement gaps.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  33. Right now, police officers are not allowed to search and seize letter mail as part of an investigation, not even with a warrant; as a result, fentanyl and other synthetic opioids can be easily trafficked in small amounts by drug traffickers exploiting the postal system by sending illicit drugs through this method. The amendments to the act outlined in part 4 of Bill C-12 become crucial to correcting the issue and stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our communities. The amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act would allow police to search and seize contraband, including fentanyl, from Canada Post mail with a warrant. If I may, I will repeat, “with a warrant”, because I have heard many times a lot of misinformation coming from the other side of the House.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  34. This would bring Canada Post into alignment with other courier and parcel delivery service providers such as Purolator that are already subject to lawful search and seizure. The bill would also expand inspection powers for postal inspectors. These changes would enable the police to stop the mail service from being used to traffic drugs and other illegal materials. With the measures in the bill, we would be in a stronger position to prevent dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and their precursor chemicals from finding their way onto our streets and into our communities, to keep Canadians safe.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  35. According to Health Canada, in 2022 an average of 21 lives were lost each day because of opioid-related overdoses. Part 4 of the bill would amend the Canada Post Corporation Act to enable police to search the mail as part of a criminal investigation. The amendments would remove a legal barrier to otherwise lawful seizure of mail, but would not create new search and seizure authorities. With this change, law enforcement could rely on existing search and seizure provisions in federal legislation, which is most commonly a search warrant issued under the Criminal Code. The need for judicial pre-authorization would ensure that mail seizures are conducted in accordance with the law and the charter.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  36. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to be here today to speak to Bill C-12 . The bill proposes amendments to various acts that would make our laws even stronger and that would keep our families, children and communities safe while protecting privacy and charter rights. The bill would help the government fight the flow of illegal fentanyl, enhance the integrity of our immigration and asylum systems, and combat money laundering. The focus of my speech today will be with respect to parts 2, 3 and 4 of the bill. I will begin by stating that I do not think there is any member of the House without stories about how their communities have been touched by the fentanyl overdose crisis, the flow of precursors and the significant impact those have on families and communities across the country.

    SITTING 40 · 2025-10-20 · READ IN HANSARD

  37. Mr. Speaker, during the parliamentary recess weeks, I, along with my Pacific colleagues, worked actively on the mandate set out by our right hon. Prime Minister to engage with industry in all sectors to identify Canadians who want to collaborate, invest and join us in building Canada. Can the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources please elaborate on how British Columbia is contributing to this nation-building effort and how our economic strategy ensures that the needs of everyday citizens, like affordability, job creation and regional equity, are being met through partnerships and investments?

    SITTING 28 · 2025-09-23 · READ IN HANSARD

  38. Mr. Speaker, I do not think there is a member in the House who does not have a story they can share from their community or who has not been touched by the issues of fentanyl, opioids and the flow of precursors. There is the Tablotney family in Richmond, who I had the opportunity to table a petition for, and they were asking for a sustainable, national ad campaign to raise awareness of this at all times. I have spoken to police officers who have shown us data of some of these chemicals they are finding on the street. The member from Surrey Newton has been a strong advocate on public safety measures. Can he let us know what the pathway is to stop these precursors from coming into Canada?

    SITTING 22 · 2025-09-15 · READ IN HANSARD

  39. Mr. Speaker, not only do we know, but we actually have a plan. I am sure the member has heard the Prime Minister talk about a plan to make sure that we can continue to provide funding for important programs, such as the CDCP, and at the same time look at our operational spending and make those reductions and find those savings so we can continue to serve Canadians in the right way.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  40. Mr. Speaker, I do not think I mentioned anything about stealing from anyone. I am talking about providing services, health care and programs, not only to the benefit of Canadians, but also to the benefit of our economy. We are making people more productive so they can do things that they may not have been able to do previously. Today, I was focusing on those programs.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  41. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for sharing the story from his community. When we look at this, and I will speak specifically to the CDCP program, and when we talk about the economy, this is actually a productivity program. People can get the care they need and maybe get an opportunity to get a job that they could not get when they did not have that care. I thank the member for raising a very important point on how we can link this program specifically to our economy.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  42. Mr. Speaker, the plan was rolled out in phases, as I indicated, and it was a success, with more than four million Canadians being approved to be part of the plan and more than two million having already gone to get care. The plan, as it was presented, was effective and efficient, and people are getting the care they need.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  43. Thanks to the CDCP, many Canadians no longer need to choose between paying their bills and getting the oral health care they need. I will conclude by reiterating that by investing in Canadians' oral health, the Government of Canada is investing in a healthier Canada and a stronger health care system. Together, we are improving the lives of millions of people and in turn improving the Canadian health care system.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  44. An independent dental hygienist shared that some of her CDCP clients had not received dental care in the last 30 years. A dentist was surprised to find three cases of undiagnosed oral health cancer in his first week of treating CDCP patients. That is three patients with a better chance of survival because of the CDCP. These are just a few testimonials of the many heard over the past year and a half from providers and their patients. It is fair to say that the CDCP has been life-changing for many. The CDCP has helped and continues to help improve the oral health of millions of Canadians. The CDCP has also helped the average person save more than $800 per year, which is hundreds of dollars that can now be spent on other important basics they need, such as housing, heating and food.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  45. Another Canadian shared that the CDCP has been life-changing for them, as having an autoimmune illness impacted their teeth and their confidence. Being able to finally get their smile fixed has been life-changing. An 89-year-old woman in a wheelchair got her teeth cleaned by a mobile dental hygienist. She was finally able to receive the care she needed at her long-term care facility. These are only a few of the many patients who had difficulty eating properly or who lived with pain for decades because they could not afford the care, patients who, thanks to the CDCP, are finally getting the care they very much needed. A denturist told us that some of his CDCP patients had gone 15 years without dentures because they could not afford them.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  46. Their participation means greater access to oral health care for patients and more learning opportunities for students in training settings. By participating in the plan and accepting to take on CDCP clients, these providers are helping millions of Canadians get access to the care they need. The success of the plan would not have been possible without the high level of participation of these oral health professionals. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank all the oral health professionals who contributed to this success and continue to do so. I am going to share some stories. The stories heard since the launch of the CDCP have been heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. A patient had half of their complete denture broken off for over a decade, unable to afford a replacement.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  47. The Government of Canada, with the help and collaboration of many stakeholders across the country, implemented a plan informed by provider associations, oral health experts and research findings. This work continues to solidify the importance of working together with partners within the oral health community to inform the implementation of the CDCP now and in the future as the plan continues to evolve. (2005) To date, more than 25,000 oral health providers are participating in the plan. That is more than 22,000 dentists and dental specialists, more than 2,000 denturists and more than 1,000 independently practising hygienists caring for patients covered under the CDCP. Additionally, 19 educational institution clinics that train future Canadian oral health providers are participating in the CDCP.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  48. Throughout the launch, letters were sent to Canadian residents in the eligible income range inviting them to apply to the CDCP, increasing the plan's awareness at each stage of implementation. So far, more than four million Canadians have been approved to be part of the plan, and more than two million have already gone to get care. This is a remarkable achievement in a very short amount of time and one that would not have been possible without the support of oral health providers and their associations across the country. Oral health providers from coast to coast to coast acknowledge the need to provide better access to oral health services, and their dedication and commitment to providing care to their patients are very commendable.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  49. The CDCP also considers coverage for additional services and treatments, such as crowns, the initial placement of partial dentures and general anaesthesia through pre-authorization. As members can imagine, launching one of the largest social programs in Canadian history was no easy task. To ensure a smooth onboarding process for eligible Canadians and providers alike, the CDCP was rolled out using a phased approach. The Government of Canada started its onboarding first with seniors in 2023, then adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate and children under 18 in 2024. Last month, the CDCP applications opened to all remaining eligible Canadians, fulfilling the government's commitment to fully implementing the plan in 2025.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

  50. Canadians should not have to choose between paying their bills and getting the care they need. That is why, in December 2023, the Government of Canada launched one of the largest social programs in Canadian history, the Canadian dental care plan, also known as the CDCP. The CDCP is a national plan being delivered in all provinces and territories. It is making the cost of oral health care more affordable for up to nine million Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance and who have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year. The plan is making a wide range of oral health care services more affordable. The services include preventative care, such as scaling, as well as other services, such as exams, X-rays, fillings, dentures and root canal treatments.

    SITTING 17 · 2025-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD