Parm Bains
Richmond East—Steveston, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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“With respect to the importance of health care, we all know that Canadians need accessible and affordable health care services. It is important that we recognize that dental care is health care. We know that regular visits to oral health professionals can help reduce the risk of a number of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Helping catch health issues early on is important to our own well-being and is also important on a much larger scale since it helps reduce the burden on our health care system. Unfortunately, too many Canadians have been going without regular oral health care. Studies have found that a third of Canadians do not have dental insurance and one in four has not been able to see an oral health provider because of the cost.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to appear before the House today to talk about the main estimates, but I want to take a moment to thank my friend, who went before me. I share the respect she showed for our military and those who serve to protect the freedoms we enjoy. I thank her very much for that and her heartfelt speech. Voted expenditures cover an extraordinarily wide range of programs and activities, including the Canadian Forces, health services for first nations, veterans' benefits and support for housing. In my speech today, I will be focusing on the Canadian dental care plan and the wonderful impact it has already had on the oral health of eligible Canadian residents across the country and of course in my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia.”
“Madam Speaker, as we look forward to making these investments, I think it is important to look at whether we can make the vehicles cheaper. This is why, when we work with other nations that are doing the same, I think we can look at different options to make them cheaper for people.”
“Madam Speaker, it is extremely important, as I mentioned, to be talking about the advancement not only of the technology but also of the innovation, and about creating these jobs, which every other nation is focused on also. We do not want to be left behind in those. More importantly, as I mentioned earlier, air pollution from road transportation emissions in Canada costs approximately $9 billion in health-related economic costs. This is a way forward, thinking about not only our economy but also the health benefits of Canadians moving forward as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, again, I can talk about the advancements. We are talking about creating jobs in the sector, and if we continue to work with the nations that are also advancing in this way, that is exactly what we will do.”
“Mr. Speaker, in the speech I made, I talked about how we are aligned with other nations that have the same focus for 2035, nations like the U.K., the E.U. and China. If we do not work with them and alongside them to make these advancements in technology, we are going to fall behind. I do not know why you do not want to work with us on that.”
“Let us ensure that every Canadian, regardless of their region, income or background, can be part of the clean energy economy. Let us invest in people, infrastructure and innovation so Canada not only meets the challenges of this moment but leads the world in addressing them. If we continue to work together with vision and determination, Canada will not only build back better, but we will build forward stronger, cleaner and more united than ever.”
“I know some will argue that the transition is too fast or too costly, but the cost of inaction is far greater. The wildfires, floods and economic disruptions of climate change are already here, and they are growing. Canadians understand that climate policy is economic policy. They want energy that is affordable and clean. They want an economy that works for everyone, not just today but tomorrow. Canadians want leadership, so let us be clear in our purpose: The electric vehicle is not just a cleaner car, but it is a symbol of what is possible when we unite technology, policy and public will. It is a vehicle not only of transport but of transition toward a future that is sustainable, equitable and prosperous. Let us continue to build that future.”
“states covering 40% of the auto market, including New York State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Maine. As countries around the world race to transition to clean energy, Canada has the potential to become a trusted global supplier, not just of clean electricity and critical minerals but also of the vehicles and technologies that will drive a net-zero future. We are not alone in this race. According to the International Energy Agency, global investment in clean energy doubled that of fossil fuels in 2024. Major economies, such as those of the United States, Germany and China, are moving aggressively. If we hesitate, we risk falling behind. If we lead, and if we continue to invest in our people, our resources and our ideas, Canada can win.”
“However, Canadians should not worry; they will always be allowed to drive their favourite gas-powered vehicle and sell their old vehicle when they are ready for another one. Our government's plan to put more EVs on the roads applies to new vehicles, but that is not all. Electric vehicles also represent a major economic opportunity. (1720) In 2023 alone, Canada added over 350,000 green jobs. These are not just jobs in labs or boardrooms; they are jobs for mechanics, electricians, miners and assembly line workers. They are jobs rooted in communities from Windsor and Winnipeg to Whitehorse, and these jobs are not fleeting; they are foundational. One of the reasons for this is that Canada is one of a number of trading partners with EV targets, and we are aligned with the 2035 targets in the United Kingdom, the E.U., China and U.S.”
“Municipalities want to electrify bus fleets, and I have had the opportunity to make major announcements in the electrifying of bus fleets in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Also, young Canadians want to inherit a livable planet. This is why our government has invested over $120 billion in clean technologies, including EV innovation and manufacturing. We have also introduced the zero-emission vehicle availability standard so that Canadians will have many choices when they are ready to make the switch. The long wait times we saw in the past few years left many drivers feeling frustrated and anxious when they needed a new vehicle to get around or commute to work. These policies will help to ensure that 100% of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada will be zero-emission by 2035.”
“It is worth noting that while oil and gas remain a significant part of our economy and our export profile, our long-term prosperity depends on diversifying our energy mix. It depends on ensuring Canadians have cleaner choices at home, and EVs are that choice. Critics sometimes ask whether Canadians are ready for this shift. The answer is yes, and they are asking us to lead. More and more Canadians want clean, reliable and affordable transportation. An hon. member: Oh, oh! Parm Bains: Mr. Speaker, I heard someone say “choice”, and that is their choice, actually. Families want to save money at the pump. Workers want to participate in building the vehicles of tomorrow.”
“Over 80% of our electricity grid is already non-emitting, meaning charging EVs in Canada will have a much lower life cycle carbon footprint than in many other countries, and the environmental benefits are clear. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air in our cities and towns, reducing respiratory illnesses and improving the quality of life. Air pollution from our road transportation emissions in Canada costs approximately $9 billion in health-related economic costs, and that burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations, including children, seniors and marginalized communities. By accelerating the supply of EVs, not only are we reducing greenhouse gases, but we are also advancing public health, energy independence and economic inclusion.”
“However, with this tremendous challenge, there is also a massive opportunity to reimagine our economy, to empower workers with good jobs and to protect the health of Canadians. One of the most immediate, visible and impactful tools in that transformation is the electric vehicle. Let us be clear: Transportation is Canada's second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and a major source of air pollution that is harming our health. If we are serious about building a net-zero economy by 2050, we must continue to address how we move people and goods across this vast land. Electric vehicles represent a transformative shift in that journey. EVs are more than technology; they are a cornerstone of our national climate plan and a catalyst for economic growth. I will share a few facts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Terrebonne today. I rise today not only as a representative of my constituents but also as a voice for Canadians who believe in a cleaner, more prosperous future for our country. We are at a turning point, a moment that calls for both courage and collaboration. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present reality, and in my home province of British Columbia, we have seen the effects of climate change. We have felt its effects with wildfires, floods and heat waves, which cost lives, homes and billions of dollars every year. In 2023 alone, insured damages from wildfires topped $8 billion. These are not abstract figures. There are families displaced, workers unemployed and futures uncertain.”
“Mr. Speaker, my question for my dear colleague from Winnipeg is this: Despite generational investments into things like the SkyTrain in my hometown of Richmond, British Columbia, and other transit operational investments that have been made, how important are electric vehicles to our province of British Columbia, for example, where there has been tremendous climate impact from wildfires and floods, as well as other climate events that have taken place there? How important is it to have people make these important choices when it comes to climate?”
“Madam Speaker, the member for Waterloo is one of our hardest-working members. I want to congratulate her on being re-elected for a fourth term in this House. I have heard this question a lot from constituents. Many of them are happy to hear we are working expeditiously and very quickly on these amendments.”
“Madam Speaker, under the previous Harper government the number of CBSA officers was reduced. We have made a commitment to increase the number of CBSA and RCMP officers by 1,000. I think it is an integral part of what will take place beyond the introduction of Bill C-2 . We will make those announcements in the coming days.”
“Madam Speaker, the hon. member and I shared some time on committee, and he will know that I worked quite hard in the 44th Parliament to address the issue of foreign interference. That is why we brought in Bill C-70 , which includes the registry and other measures like security of information. Through it, enforcement can take place on issues of foreign interference when it has to do with things like the passage of misinformation on social media or through other channels, such as when Mr. Chiu felt he was targeted. All members in this House have been targets of misinformation and disinformation. I am happy to continue that hard work on Bill C-70 to make sure that the security of information and shared information and where it is coming from are top of mind.”
“The second part of the financial crime amendments in the bill addresses the use of cash for money laundering by prohibiting the acceptance by businesses and other professionals of cash payments, deposits or donations over $10,000, except by regulated deposit-taking institutions; and prohibiting deposits by individuals who are not the owner of the account, i.e., third party deposits. In 2025 and 2026, Canada will undergo an international peer review by the Financial Action Task Force, the international anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing standard-setting body. The proposed measures would help address issues identified by the Financial Action Task Force and support a positive review. The bill is a key part of the government's agenda, and I urge my hon. colleagues to join me in supporting its quick passage.”
“Organized crime networks and drug traffickers exploit money mules to make small deposits in cash in multiple accounts at numerous financial institutions to avoid detection and mandatory reporting. Criminals also launder their illicit cash proceeds through the purchase and resale of luxury and high-value goods, as well as through large cash payments to service providers who are controlled or influenced by a criminal organization. Large cash payments for goods or services may also be used to evade taxation. For these reasons, many countries, including the United States and other G7 partners, maintain restrictions on large cash transactions.”
“We must also take decisive action to directly target the evolving means and methods used by criminals to launder their illicit proceeds. British Columbians know the harms money laundering can cause. Five years ago in Richmond, the operator of an underground bank was shot and killed in broad daylight. In response to this and other concerns about money laundering in B.C., the provincial government established the Cullen commission. The measures proposed in the bill would complement the commission's recommendations to the province. Of course, British Columbians are concerned about another matter addressed by Bill C-2 , fentanyl trafficking and other profit-driven crimes. These criminal activities generate large cash proceeds, and cash remains a preferred method of payment for criminals as it is autonomous and easily transferable.”
“Recent trends also highlight the importance of close coordination between the financial sector regulators. In December 2024, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with regulators in the U.S. to ensure strong money laundering controls of cross-border banks. In Canada, the Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee facilitates consultation and the exchange of information on matters relating to the supervision of federal financial institutions. Making the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada a member of this committee would enable better coordination across agencies in Canada in fighting financial crimes. Ensuring strong controls of reporting agencies is necessary but not sufficient in our fight against financial crime.”
“(1740) The bill proposes a comprehensive set of amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and its regulations to ensure reporting entities maintain strong controls that are effective in detecting and deterring money laundering and other financial crimes. The first part of these measures includes strengthening the administrative monetary penalty framework, enhancing the compliance of reporting entities, more effectively punishing serious criminal non-compliance and strengthening supervision and the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing framework in general. These changes are needed to ensure strong anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing controls, as well as that non-compliance is not treated as the cost of doing business.”
“Over the last few years, the centre has identified an alarming trend regarding the difficulties reporting entities are having in maintaining effective anti-money laundering controls, as have our partners in markets where Canadian institutions operate. This led the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada to issue its largest-ever administrative monetary penalties in 2023 and 2024. The government takes financial crimes seriously. If left unchecked, these kinds of deficiencies risk undermining the effectiveness of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act in the fight against financial crimes.”
“To combat these threats, Canada has established a robust anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime, underpinned by federal statutes, including the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Banks and other businesses and professionals with obligations under this act are on the front lines of the fight against financial crime. The bill would require that these businesses and professionals report certain financial transactions to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, as well as implement compliance programs to identify clients, monitor business relationships and keep records.”
“Going back to the bill, it is a huge honour to represent the city that raised me and, most importantly, to be their voice in this House to talk on this today, Bill C-2 , with respect to the strong and effective anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing measures included in it. They are integral components of a secure Canada-United States border. These measures not only protect our financial system but also safeguard our communities from the devastating impacts of crime and terrorism. Money laundering supports and perpetuates crimes by allowing criminals, such as fentanyl traffickers, to benefit from their illicit activities. Terrorist financing enables terrorist activities in Canada, the United States and abroad, posing a significant threat to global security.”
“My kids, Hasina and Daya, stepped up and they pounded the pavement. My sister, Nav, knocked on thousands of doors once again. She is the best sister in the world, always ready to stand up for her little brother. Of course, I can never forget the sacrifices my parents made. My dad, like so many Canadians, left his homeland at a young age to make a good life here. He worked as a steelworker in England and then in Canada, and he was a dump truck owner-operator. He worked hard. My mom worked tirelessly as a seniors care aide. We had a very modest upbringing with endless opportunities before us, so I thank them and I love them.”
“I want to take a moment to thank everyone from Richmond East—Steveston for putting their trust in me and supporting me once again: my campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly because they believed in me and the very important work our new government set out to do— An hon. member: Oh, oh! Parm Bains: Madam Speaker, there is also the work I did with the member across, but I did not catch what he said. We spent some time on the mighty OGGO committee, and I know he probably wants to see me there again. Everyone in this House knows the sacrifices families make for us to be here, and their strength helps us do the important work we all do. I remember my wedding day 23 years ago. In my reception toast to my wife, Gurpreet, I said that she makes me a better person. Without her support, I would not be here.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise here today recognizing that we stand on the traditional territories of the Algonquin nation. I want to congratulate you for your role again here as Assistant Deputy Speaker. We are debating Bill C-2 , which would enact several legislative amendments, including important measures to help detect, deter and disrupt cross-border money laundering and terrorist financing networks. These are matters of utmost importance to our country, particularly British Columbia and my hometown, Richmond, a gateway city that is integral to our economy. I want to take a quick moment before I speak to the bill; this is my first intervention, although I did have an opportunity to give a statement.”
“As the 45th Parliament begins its work, I call on all levels of government to come together and invest in mental health as a cornerstone of building healthy, resilient and thriving communities for all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to be re-elected, and I am very grateful to the residents of Richmond East—Steveston for placing their trust in me once again to serve as their voice in the House. I dedicate this statement to the memory of a childhood friend, Sukhi Bahia, who sadly passed during the election. One election issue raised in our community was the urgent need for mental wellness and wraparound supports. May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada, and policy-makers ought to be aware of the challenges Canadians face. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, the rate of suicide for Canadian men is three times higher than for women. However, women are hospitalized for self-harm twice as often as men.”