Tom Osborne
Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is a top priority for our government. Indeed, it is a top priority that is shared by all members of the House.”
“Under Bill C-232 , we would, in effect, be less safe because individuals would go directly from maximum security to release into the community without any chance of rehabilitation. Furthermore, limiting access to the programs that offenders require to address their criminality would ultimately make our institutions less safe.”
“Furthermore, the bill would create significant charter concerns because of its application to current inmates and its ability to negatively impact their prospects for conditional release. (1745) An offender's classification must be a dynamic process, not a static label that is assigned at the time of their sentencing.”
“The vast majority of offenders re-enter society after serving their sentences. The goal is to ensure that they do so as law-abiding, productive members of our communities. Punishment alone does not make our communities safer. We must also focus on rehabilitation.”
“By keeping offenders in maximum security longer than necessary, we are preventing offenders with determinate sentences from getting the treatment and skills training they need to re-enter society safely upon their release.”
“Bill C-232 would undermine the expertise of our corrections professionals and tie the hands of those responsible for managing these offenders. Maximum-security institutions are, by necessity, highly restrictive environments focused primarily on containment.”
The complete record
Every one of 88 lines we hold for Tom Osborne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 2.
“Under the existing system, an offender is placed in maximum security when they pose a threat to the public, to staff or to the security of the institution, and they remain there until their risk factors are mitigated. Objective risk assessments must first prove it is safe before any easing of restrictions can occur. Even then, they occur gradually and are closely monitored. Bill C-232 would make our communities less safe, because it puts political will ahead of evidence of what works most effectively to increase public safety. Canadians deserve better. For those reasons, I urge all members to vote against Bill C-232.”
“Furthermore, the bill would create significant charter concerns because of its application to current inmates and its ability to negatively impact their prospects for conditional release. (1745) An offender's classification must be a dynamic process, not a static label that is assigned at the time of their sentencing. Let me be clear: Our government agrees that we need tough sentences for violent criminals. Indeed, when individuals have committed serious crimes, they must serve their time. The bill makes for catchy sound bites and clips, but our responsibility to Canadians is to pursue policies that will actually make our communities safer. Evidence has shown that effective rehabilitation and reintegration programming are an essential part of ensuring public safety.”
“Under Bill C-232 , we would, in effect, be less safe because individuals would go directly from maximum security to release into the community without any chance of rehabilitation. Furthermore, limiting access to the programs that offenders require to address their criminality would ultimately make our institutions less safe. It could create increased tension, anger and behavioural issues that would lead to more violence in our prisons. This would also put staff and those who work in these environments at risk. The government is also concerned that Bill C-232 would be likely to exacerbate the experience of indigenous people in maximum security. It would further limit their access to culturally appropriate interventions and programming, as well as conditional releases.”
“By keeping offenders in maximum security longer than necessary, we are preventing offenders with determinate sentences from getting the treatment and skills training they need to re-enter society safely upon their release. In other words, by mandating that offenders remain in maximum security regardless of their behaviour, programming success or reduction in risk, we would, in fact, achieve the very opposite of the stated purpose of the bill. Keeping offenders in maximum-security prisons does not mean that they will never re-enter society. It means that we are failing in our responsibilities to ensure that offenders are effectively rehabilitated and able to safely reintegrate when they eventually re-enter the community.”
“Bill C-232 would undermine the expertise of our corrections professionals and tie the hands of those responsible for managing these offenders. Maximum-security institutions are, by necessity, highly restrictive environments focused primarily on containment. They offer fewer opportunities for offenders to access the programs required, such as education, domestic violence and substance abuse treatment, and job and skills training, to address their criminality. Based on years of evidence, we know that access to these programs is a proven tool for reforming criminal behaviour. Programs like these are more readily available in minimum-security institutions.”
“The vast majority of offenders re-enter society after serving their sentences. The goal is to ensure that they do so as law-abiding, productive members of our communities. Punishment alone does not make our communities safer. We must also focus on rehabilitation. The current Corrections and Conditional Release Act is carefully designed to balance punishment, public safety and the eventual reintegration of offenders. The act is designed to ensure that an offender's transfer to medium or minimum security only occurs when they no longer pose an undue risk to society and where they can be safely managed. All transfer decisions are based on comprehensive professional assessments by case management teams, psychiatrists and security professionals.”
“Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is a top priority for our government. Indeed, it is a top priority that is shared by all members of the House. Bill C-232 proposes new rules that would require dangerous offenders and those convicted of more than one first-degree murder to spend their entire sentence in a maximum-security environment. The bill maintains that doing so would support public safety. Our government stands with victims and all Canadians who want to keep our communities safe. We understand and appreciate the intent behind the legislation. That said, we believe the approach proposed in the bill has significant shortcomings. Firstly, the bill contradicts the very purpose and principles of the federal correctional system and its mandate to effectively rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders.”
“Madam Speaker, what has happened in the last year is that our largest trading partner has put in unfair tariffs against this country. The Conservatives try to pretend that did not happen. The largest impact would be on the largest trading partner, but we have planted the seeds of a stronger economy. We are building Canada strong and building more infrastructure in Canada using Canadian materials and Canadian labour, with more trading partners. Let us allow those seeds to bear fruit. Instead of talking down the Canadian economy, the Conservatives should join us in building Canada strong.”
“Madam Speaker, when Conservatives vote against affordability measures and then complain about affordability, Canadians see that as disingenuous. What is also disingenuous is when they talk down the Canadian economy while we are trying to find solutions. The U.S. is Canada's largest trading partner. It only stands to reason that we would have the largest impact. We are building Canadian infrastructure using Canadian labour and Canadian materials. We are building trade corridors with other countries. I ask the other party to join us in believing in Canada, in believing in Canadians and in believing in building Canada—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to hear the member talk about people who do not listen and who are not tuned into the Canadian public and the needs of Canadians. It was the Conservative Party that voted against reducing the tax for first-time homebuyers, making it easier for young Canadians. It was the Conservative Party that voted against $10-a-day child care, making it easier for Canadians. It was the Conservative Party that voted against a reduction in income tax, helping 22 million Canadians. It was the Conservative Party that voted against the Canada child benefit. It is interesting to hear the member talk about people who do not listen. The Conservatives have not listened to the Canadian public on what Canadians need, and vote against every opportunity in this House to make life easier for young Canadians.”
“In 2026-27, the student work placement program will support up to 55,000 work-integrated learning opportunities with employers for post-secondary students. Over 34,000 employers and 420 post-secondary institutions have participated in this program. We are focused on delivering the results that Canadians need and creating the opportunities that will strengthen the economy.”
“That is where the labour market development agreements and the workforce development agreements come in. These represent a $2.9-billion annual investment in training and employment assistance services to help hundreds of thousands of Canadians upgrade their skills and find employment. Our programs help workers complete their studies, build their skills and access opportunities that lead to successful careers. Since 2019, Canada summer jobs has helped more than 600,000 young people find summer employment. This summer, the program will support up to 100,000 jobs for youth between the ages of 15 and 30. All told, we are supporting over 175,000 opportunities for youth and students this year under the student work placement program, the youth employment and skills strategy, and the Canada summer jobs.”
“Team Canada strong will expand our union training and innovation program, so that union-run training centres can upgrade their facilities and invest in modern equipment. Small and medium-sized businesses will be supported when they hire new first-year apprentices. The build Canada apprenticeship program will help employers hire and train apprentices, providing them with up to $10,000. Once certified as a Red Seal tradesperson, they will receive a $5,000 completion bonus. The new apprenticeship training grant means that apprentices can receive an income top-up of $400 per week while they are getting technical training. This comes out of a total payment of $16,000 per apprentice. We know that there is more that needs to be done to weather the current storm.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are always prepared to look at good ideas, but we are also acting and putting in place measures that really make a difference for Canadians. We could not agree more that Canadians are looking for hope and real solutions. Preparing Canadians for good jobs is a top priority of ours, especially during these challenging times. We are renewing Canada's workforce strong, team Canada strong. It is a $6-billion promise to protect our workforce and our capacity to grow the workforce, because without skilled workers, we cannot meet the moment. That is why, under team Canada strong, we will recruit, train and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal workers in the next five years. This is critical, because within seven years there will be more than 410,000 vacant skilled trades positions across Canada. There is no time to waste.”
“Mr. Speaker, the opposition party can control certain things. We know what they would do if they ever formed government. They would get rid of the $10 a day child care. We know this because they voted against it. We know that they would get rid of the dental plan, increases to old age security and the school food program because they voted against them. They also voted against reducing taxes for first-time homebuyers. On this side of the House, we are working to make life more affordable for Canadians. We hear a lot of talk from the Conservative party, but we do not see action. The only action we see is voting against programs that would make life more affordable for Canadians.”
“These measures are making life more affordable for Canadians. In the spring economic update, we announced the intention to reduce the contribution rate to the Canadian pension plan base rate from 9.9% to 9.5%, effective January 1 of next year. This was achieved due to the co-operation of all provinces. We look forward to introducing more measures and making life more affordable for Canadians.”
“In 2026, this change means savings of up to $420 a person or $840 for a two-income family. More than 6.5 million Canadians can now access affordable dental through the Canadian dental plan. We have also made the national school food program permanent to provide meals for up to 400,000 children each year. This program saves families with two children participating in school up to $800 on groceries. First-time homebuyers are saving up to $50,000 through the removal or reduction of the goods and services tax on eligible new homes. Canadians are now paying less in banking fees as well with the changes that we have made to banking fees in this year's budget. We have also expanded access to low-cost and no-cost bank accounts for Canadians, with up to 50% more debit transactions at a cost of no more than $4 a month.”
“This measure builds on the GST credit and will provide additional support for more than 12 million Canadians, starting with a one-time top-up on June 5. Combined with a 25% increase to the benefit over five years, as of July, a family of four will receive up to $1,890 a year and a single individual will receive up to $950. To lower costs for Canadians, we have suspended the federal fuel tax on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels until Labour Day. This measure is expected to reduce the cost of filling up at the pump by more than $5 on a 50-litre tank. Benefiting more than 25 million Canadians, it will reduce operating costs for truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing and construction industries. We have also lowered the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15% to 14%, providing tax relief for 22 million Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, government is well aware that affordability is the single most pressing issue for Canadians, which is why we focused on delivering targeted support where it matters most. The world is changing rapidly, and not always for the best. It is increasingly fragmented, complex and unstable, and for far too many, it is also more expensive. We cannot control the conflict in the Middle East, the war in the Ukraine or the tariffs that are transforming global trade, but what we can choose to respond to is building the strongest economy in the G7 and providing targeted supports to those who need it most. Over the past number of months, we have supported Canadians with concrete measures to make everyday life more affordable. To make essentials, such as groceries, more affordable, we introduced the Canadian groceries and essentials benefit.”
“Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that as the government goes through this process in a fair and compassionate way, we are also committed to ensuring the services that Canadians rely on and that Canadians will get. We are absolutely committed to Canadians, to providing better services for Canadians but also being fiscally responsible.”
“This includes the proposed early retirement incentive, a program that would provide an opportunity for eligible employees to retire without a penalty for early departure. These reductions are being carried out fairly and responsibly, in line with the government's obligations as an employer. They are part of a necessary and major “recalibration” in government spending that will redirect funds to investing in Canada. They are what this moment calls for and an investment in our future.”
“The reductions are being managed with fairness and compassion, relying on attrition and voluntary departures to the greatest extent possible. That is why we have the early retirement incentive. Organizations are required to follow established workforce adjustment policies outlined in collective agreements or, in the case of executives, career transition measures. Both set out clear processes and supports for employees who may be affected. In a workforce adjustment situation, there are specific provisions governing how this is done that are co-developed or negotiated with bargaining agents. Indeed, the government is leveraging all available tools to limit involuntary departures.”
“This review required federal organizations to bring forward savings proposals, to spend less on the day-to-day running of government by targeting programs and activities that are not core to their federal mandate, that are duplicative or that are not aligned with government priorities. Organizations also considered ways to work more efficiently, leveraging existing and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, where it makes sense. Budget 2025, tabled last November, presented the results of this review, which identified savings across government of $13 billion annually by 2028-29. This will include decreasing the size of the public service by approximately 16,000 full-time equivalents. It will also look to reduce 1,000 executive positions over the next two years.”
“Mr. Speaker, as members may recall, the government made a clear commitment to Canadians to be fiscally responsible and bring discipline to the federal budget. We were also elected with the mandate to spend less on government operations so that we can invest more in workers, businesses, defence and nation-building infrastructure that will grow our economy and strengthen the country. As part of this effort, the government launched the comprehensive expenditure review to meet its commitment to responsible, cost-effective spending that delivers results for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, you have obviously done a great deal of review on the bill. I will give the member an opportunity to elaborate. You talked about penalty increases and some concern with the size of the increases. The size of the increase, I believe, is to prevent bad intention or bad actors. If candidates, official agents or others are acting in good faith, they have no fear of an increase in the size of the penalty. I want to give you an opportunity to elaborate on your thoughts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will start by saying that my riding is one of the ones that will have a name change. Cape Spear is one of the most recognized names in the country. It is a beautiful area. However, it represents part of my riding but not all of it, so the riding name is going to change to Cape Spear—Mount Pearl—Paradise, representing the riding more broadly. The legislation is designed to protect from foreign interference, to protect the privacy of information that political parties collect and to protect against interference, deepfakes and so on, protecting the integrity of our democracy. I am wondering if the member can talk a bit about—”
“Through the comprehensive expenditure review, the government is making responsible choices for Canadians to focus on core priorities and deliver more effectively for Canadians.”
“Mr Speaker, let me underline that the government is making responsible choices to focus on core priorities that will deliver more effectively for Canadians. This is a transformational time for the public service to revisit how it works, how it can improve services for Canadians and how it can build the future for Canada. The government is committed to managing the reductions to its workforce with fairness and compassion. The workforce adjustment process is one way we are doing this. The early retirement incentive program, introduced in budget 2025, would also help further reduce involuntary departures subject to criteria that is set by Treasury Board should it be approved by Parliament.”
“These reductions are being carried out fairly and responsibly and in line with the government's obligations as an employer. They are part of the necessary and major recalibration within government spending that will redirect funds to be invested in Canada and Canadians. They are what the moment calls for, an investment in Canada's future.”
“Organizations are also required to follow established workforce adjustment processes outlined in collective agreements or, in the case of executives, through career transition measures. Both set out clear processes and supports for employees who may be impacted. Workforce adjustment is the process organizations use in the core public administration when it has been determined that a position is no longer required. In a workforce adjustment situation, there are specific provisions governing how this is done that are codeveloped or negotiated with bargaining agents. Indeed, the government is leveraging all available tools to limit involuntary departures. This includes early retirement incentives. This program would provide an opportunity for eligible employees to retire without penalty for early departure.”
“Organizations also considered ways to work more efficiently, leveraging existing technologies where needed. Budget 2025, tabled last November, presented the results of the review, which identified savings across the government of $13 billion annually by 2028-29. The size of the public service grew by over 40% in the last 10 years. It is not sustainable. This will include decreasing the size of the public service by approximately 16,000 full-time equivalents. The budget also announced a commitment to reduce 1,000 executive positions over the next two years. The reductions are being managed with fairness and compassion, relying on attrition and voluntary departures to the greatest extent possible.”
“Mr. Speaker, members will recall that the government made a clear commitment to Canadians to bring fiscal discipline to the federal budget. It will spend less on government operations so that it can invest more in areas that will grow our economy and strengthen our country at this critical juncture. As part of that effort, the government launched a comprehensive expenditure review last July to meet its commitment to responsible, cost-effective spending that delivers results for Canadians. The review required federal organizations to bring forward savings, proposals to spend less on day-to-day running of government by targeting programs and activities that are not core to the federal mandate, are duplicative or are not aligned with government priorities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am presenting petition e-6492 on behalf of the over 1,000 Canadians who have signed the petition. They are asking that we ensure Canadians suffering from pancreatic cancer, especially those in smaller provinces, get the care they need. The petition was first authorized by my predecessor, Seamus O'Regan, but fell short by about 100 signatures. The focus of the petition is to ensure equity across provinces, access to molecular testing and clinical trials, and the creation of a national guideline for pancreatic cancer.”
“My dad's journey with his family is meaningful, and even though he has health challenges, he has the strength and smile of a hero.”
“Mr. Speaker, the hero I want to recognize today would look to most like an ordinary person with success in his professional life. He was instrumental in bringing the real estate association and the multiple listing service to St. John's. He served as president of the board and was its longest-serving member at 56 years. He also served as a director for the Canadian Real Estate Association and as a city councillor in St. John's, and he was sworn in and served as a Canadian citizenship judge. He was the recipient of an organ donation and survived cancer, although that is back. However, these things are not what makes him a hero. He has been the soulmate to his wife of 64 years and a loving father and grandfather. His cape has been wrapped around his family. He is our hero.”
“Commercial fishers are very concerned about this. Instead of looking at cod as a species, this bill would treat the fishery differently and as a one-size-fits-all, which is dangerous. We finally have our commercial fishery reopened, and it is because of sound management of the fishery and of our fish stocks. We cannot go backward. We cannot risk the commercial fishery for the generations of the future.”
“I hear my constituents talk about changes in the food fishery and how they would like to see greater access. They would like to see real consultation, because this bill had no consultation. I have not heard anybody in my riding talk about wanting this bill. In fact, it is quite the opposite. People in my riding, commercial fishers, have said they are very concerned about this bill. Real consultation is what the Minister of Fisheries has done in opening up a consultation process on what the future of the food fishery looks like. She has heard from almost 10,000 people and received submissions from people in Newfoundland and Labrador, who put forward their thoughts and recommendations for what the food fishery should look like. That is consultation. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador were not consulted about this bill.”
“I want to remind individuals that last year there was no licence requirement, no licensing fee and no reporting requirement for the food fishery. The individuals were to follow the rules, be safe and fish for food. Under this Conservative tax-on-food bill, we would see a forced mandatory licence. It is written right into the bill. Individuals would have to pay a fee to cover the cost of this bill and to report every fish they catch. We hear Conservatives talking about the boogeyman, the unseen tax on food. This would put a tax on food by the requirements outlined in the bill itself. Meanwhile, our government is providing tax relief for individuals across the country while looking to grow our economy. The commercial fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador is vital to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Madam Speaker, this is an important bill. I know the importance of the cod fishery to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, in particular the food fishery and the commercial fishery. Balancing those two is challenging, and my colleague, the Minister of Fisheries , is doing a good job in this very challenging portfolio. The food fishery and the economy is an important balance. We have seen, because of the scientific-based management of our cod fishery, our commercial fishery reopen this past year. This was significant. There are communities in my riding with fishers who rely on this income. They rely on the commercial fishery to make a living and to sustain their families and communities. One of the biggest challenges with this bill, as I see it, is the fees that it would put on the people in our province taking part in the food fishery.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Canadian parts that are made for the EVs in the United States are vitally important to the Canadian economy. Those jobs are vitally important to the Canadian economy. Unlike what the questions put forward by the opposition imply, that we are supporting American vehicles, we are supporting Canadian jobs and Canadian automakers with what is in the strategy, and we are focused on bringing other automakers to Canada. With a world that is moving further and further toward EVs, attracting companies to come to Canada to build these vehicles will also be important. I would ask the member if she can speak to how we are protecting Canadian jobs, with the parts that are made in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the strategy includes incentives for Canadian automakers, and it also includes a focus on attracting other automakers to build cars in Canada. While we heard the Conservative Party saying that this will provide incentives for luxury American cars, my understanding of the strategy is that it is capped at $50,000 for imported EVs and that there is no cap for Canadian-manufactured EVs, but many of the parts for American-made EVs are made by Canadians in Canadian plants and factories. We need to support those workers in Canada as well. If we did not, I suspect that the Conservatives would criticize us if those shut down. Can you speak to that?”
“Madam Speaker, first of all I would like to thank the public servants across Canada for helping us deal with the issues that Canadians and our country are dealing with in these uncertain times. I will say that the public service has grown by over 40% over the past decade. We are focused on delivering better, faster services for Canadians. Part of that is ensuring that we also bring our public service to a sustainable level so that the taxpayers across Canada get the services they require but at the price they are looking for.”
“Mr. Speaker, every time the government puts in place a policy or program to make life more affordable for Canadians, the Conservative Party votes against it. They voted against early learning and child care. They voted against the dental program. They voted against the school food program, which they do not support. In fact, they called it “garbage”. They voted against reducing taxes for 22 million Canadians. They voted against reducing taxes for first-time homebuyers. Instead of complaining that things are tough, why do they not join us in making things easier?”
“Mr. Speaker, we live in an increasingly divided and dangerous world. We need to defend our people. We need to defend our values, our borders and our sovereignty. We need to be a strong and reliable partner for our allies. This is the largest investment in national defence in decades, and while the Conservatives voted against a pay raise for our Canadian Armed Forces and an increase in national defence spending, we supported our Canadian Armed Forces and will build them strong. We will build Canada strong because we believe in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, at every opportunity the opposition members had to make life more affordable for Canadians, they failed. They voted against more affordable early learning and child care, against lower taxes and against eliminating the tax on new home purchases. They have failed Canadians at every opportunity. Where are the common-sense Conservatives? One member is here, and two members are behind the curtains.”
“Mr. Speaker, the new Prime Minister has taken an approach of reaching out globally. Even before agreements are reached, trade with Europe and Africa is up, exports with Central America and South America are up, and trade with Asia and the Middle East is up. Trade is down with the U.S.; there is no doubt, but that is a condition that is hard to control. Are the Conservatives the only people in Canada not seeing the news?”
“Mr. Speaker, it is important. The Prime Minister 's legacy will be building a stronger economy, one of the strongest in the G7. His goal is for us to have the strongest economy in the G7. This means becoming less reliant on the United States and building trade corridors with other countries. It means using our own materials within our country, such as building 500,000 homes for Canadians while using the materials within Canada and our own labour sources to build Canada strong.”
“Mr. Speaker, what the Prime Minister , government and cabinet will be doing is building 500,000 homes across Canada, which will improve the efforts of our forestry sector and softwood lumber providers. We are building trade corridors with many other countries, which will include our softwood lumber and forestry sectors. We are working to improve Canada's economy and Canada's trade corridors so that we are less reliant on the United States.”
“Madam Speaker, there is ongoing discussion not only in terms of the U.K. but also in terms of Asian markets, Indonesian markets and Mexican markets. There is ongoing discussion because the Prime Minister is committed to doubling the amount of export outside the U.S. and into other areas of the globe. This is important for Canadian companies, for Canadian producers, for Canadian workers and for Canada’s economy. I have great confidence in the Prime Minister and the ongoing dialogue with many countries around the world that will build Canada strong.”
“This is a strategic advantage, one that would strengthen our seafood industry for the long term. This approach is exactly in line with the Prime Minister 's vision for a more resilient and outward-looking Canadian economy. By pursuing new partnerships and deepening existing ones, our government is laying the groundwork for a trade future that is more secure, more sustainable and more diverse than ever before. The U.K.'s accession to this agreement would be a strategic move for the next generation of Canadian trade. It would demonstrate that Canada is serious about building resilient, high-standard and inclusive trade networks to build Canada strong.”