Jacques Ramsay
La Prairie—Atateken, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I was heartbroken to learn about Toronto Police Constable Marc Pinizzotto, who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. My heart is with his family and loved ones. With an 18-year stellar record, Marc was known as someone who was courageous and respected, and a man who put others before himself.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Constable Pinizzotto, as well as officers of the Toronto Police Service. Constable Pinizzotto was killed while participating in an investigation relating to multiple shootings in Toronto, including the shooting of the U.S. consulate.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for his question. The government has taken all necessary measures. We are taking this situation very seriously. We have reviewed 18,000 Iranian visas. All men of military age have been screened and scrutinized.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government is aware of the challenges facing SMEs, particularly the issue of hiring well-trained employees. With the team Canada strong initiative, we want to address these challenges by offering grants to apprentices in Red Seal skilled trades and to the SMEs that hire them.”
“Mr. Speaker, I found it interesting that the hon. member raised that subject, since the government, within one year, has done more than any government before it: Bill C-8 on cyberthreat, Bill C-9 on heinous crimes, Bill C-12 on border security, Bill C-14 on bail reform and more severe sentences, Bill C-16 on protecting victims and acceler…”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House that the government has made massive investments to strengthen the services provided by the RCMP and the CBSA. We are taking action to crack down on gang-related violence and hate crimes. Bill C-14 will soon come into force to reform—”
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“Mr. Speaker, that is a very good question. We are currently seeing a 20% to 25% decrease in auto thefts. At the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, we had an opportunity to hear all the stakeholders explain things to us. They told us that what was needed most was co-operation and collaboration. Bill C‑12 will ensure that all stakeholders have all the relevant information on a need-to-know basis to more effectively fight the national scourge that is auto theft. We need to take action, and we will be there.”
“Mr. Speaker, of course, the work done here helps improve bills. Naturally, we are listening. We in the Liberal Party of Canada are quite proud, actually. We pride ourselves on listening to civil society, putting opinions to good use and, as necessary, improving our bills. We have not given up on the measures left out of Bill C‑12 but retained in Bill C‑2. We believe them to be necessary. We believe that we need to fight transnational gangs, illegal weapons smuggling and drug trafficking effectively. We are definitely prepared to do so in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We are the party of the charter.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, it is important to remember that the Canadian Coast Guard falls under the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, but now it will also fall under a second department in accordance with the bill. We will therefore be able to assess the budgets needed to complete operations. Having said that, we have full confidence in the Coast Guard. It has already proven that it is capable of doing the job with the tools that it has right now. If equipment is needed, then we will certainly make sure it is provided. This is part of the investments that Canada wants to make to keep Canadians safe.”
“I want to reiterate that Canadians deserve to feel safe and be safe. I invite my hon. colleagues to support this bill quickly and unanimously.”
“We are equipping our agencies with modern tools, while ensuring that these measures comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Bill C-12 addresses a number of immediate priorities that will have tangible and immediate effects on the safety of our communities and the integrity of our border. It is a clear, deliberate and necessary measure to protect our country. It sends a strong message that Canada will not tolerate people using our borders to engage in illegal activities. Our immigration system will be based on fairness, integrity and order. For all these reasons, I believe this bill deserves the unanimous support of all members of the House. Voting for this bill is a vote in favour of a more secure border, a stronger and fairer immigration system and, most importantly, safer communities.”
“We are also significantly strengthening Canada's anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime to combat the illicit financing that fuels these activities. Bill C-12 increases administrative penalties and improves information sharing between federal financial institutions to prevent bad actors from profiting from their crimes. Its purpose is to crack down on criminals and individuals who seek to exploit our country's generous immigration system by importing new forms of crime. It is a matter of integrity and fairness. Some folks may have reservations about these measures, but I can assure the House today that Bill C-12 strikes the necessary balance between security and the protection of rights.”
“(1610) This change will be particularly significant in the Arctic, where Canada can and must play a leadership role in a region undergoing rapid change due to growing global interests, increased maritime traffic and complex security risks. This bill also seeks to directly combat the opioid crisis. The trafficking of illicit fentanyl and dangerous precursor chemicals in our country requires the rapid implementation of meaningful measures. Bill C-12 will enable the Minister of Health and law enforcement and border agencies to take swift action to prevent the illegal importation and use of chemical precursors as they emerge. This is a meaningful measure that will save hundreds, if not thousands, of Canadian lives.”
“Specifically, the bill would allow the Canadian Coast Guard to use its ships, helicopters, sensors, operations centres and land resources to collect, receive, share and analyze intelligence in order to strengthen our surveillance activities and our sovereignty. These actions will help protect Canada's vast coastlines and waterways, particularly in remote northern regions. With its fleet and its wealth of maritime experience, the Canadian Coast Guard has all the tools it needs to make a significant contribution to Canada's security. It is already active from coast to coast to coast, on the Great Lakes and in the St. Lawrence Seaway.”
“That is a first. This measure will close a significant loophole that is being exploited by criminals to facilitate auto theft. We are committed to taking effective measures to curb auto theft. At the same time, the bill also expands the role of the Canadian Coast Guard so that it can conduct security patrols and gather intelligence. Our coasts will now be protected. These new security activities will help the Coast Guard enhance collective security by conducting surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions in addition to its current operations. It will also be able to exchange information with its security, defence and intelligence partners.”
“Thanks to these provisions, our law enforcement agencies will be able to better protect our borders, preserve the integrity of our immigration system, and combat the growing complexity of modern criminal organizations. This bill will also facilitate information sharing between our law enforcement agencies and their counterparts, improving integration and coordination in the fight against cross-border crime. The bill gives additional powers to the Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to effectively combat this transnational organized crime. Our efforts to combat criminal networks must keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated nature of their operations. One thing this bill does is expand the CBSA's powers to inspect and detain goods destined for export in warehouses and transportation centres.”
“Thanks to our $1.3‑billion border plan, we have already invested significant resources in our law enforcement agencies. Whether it is combatting the illegal trafficking of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals or other illicit drugs, fighting organized crime or stopping illegal immigration, our measures are working. According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, seizures of illicit fentanyl and illegal border crossings have declined significantly after peaking in 2024. Although the tireless work of our law enforcement agencies has led to considerable progress, our efforts continue. Bill C‑12 is the latest example. It is a key step in the Government of Canada's border plan.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the inimitable member for Davenport . Our government is committed to taking all the steps necessary to keep our border secure. Bill C-12 , the strengthening Canada's immigration system and borders act, is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe, cracking down on sophisticated criminal networks and modernizing our immigration system. Today, I want to talk about aspects of this bill that will strengthen our borders even more and help us fight organized crime. Earlier on, my colleagues seemed to suggest that an omnibus bill was a bad thing. I would respond that immigration is a complex problem that needs to be looked at in its entirety. That is why this bill takes a very broad approach, to ensure effective action.”
“Cindy Ouellet is living proof that women are excelling more than ever in multiple fields. Let us congratulate this athlete, scientist, leader and model of resilience.”
“Mr. Speaker, this month, as we celebrate women who inspire, innovate and transform the world around them, I would like to highlight the stellar journey of a young woman named Cindy Ouellet, a top paralympian in wheelchair basketball and para nordic skiing, a demanding discipline in which she excels. She has represented Canada at four summer games and once at the winter games. Although she trains for four to six hours a day, she also holds a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from USC, and she is currently doing her second doctorate in neuroscience at Université Laval. Ms. Ouellet was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12, and she is now studying so that she can soon help to create a new hip replacement. That is what is known as turning challenges into opportunities.”
“Mr. Speaker, this option has been considered before and is entirely valid. It involves costs and coordination with law enforcement and local organizations. A number of provinces already have similar programs that are producing good results. We can confirm that defibrillators are an effective way to save lives.”
“Mr. Speaker, everyone in Canada deserves to be safe and feel safe. That is why we are giving police services and the CBSA the resources and tools they need to fight crime. Whether it is fighting fentanyl trafficking, illegal firearms imports, human trafficking, online pornography or money laundering, we are taking action. Canadians elected the Liberal Party of Canada because they know they can count on us to keep them safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives are good at playing with numbers. Here is a statistic: In the United States, there are three times as many homicides as in Canada, particularly involving guns. We should ask ourselves a question: Why are all the Conservatives' measures copied from American measures that we know do not work? Canadians want Canadian methods for fighting crime. There is a good reason for this. It is because we are better than others. Our government is working to improve this. I hope that the Conservatives—”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Bill C‑8 , an act respecting cyber security, is being debated today in the House. This legislation aims to secure Canada's critical infrastructure by bringing the Canadian telecommunications sector in line with other critical sectors of the Canadian economy. This bill will allow us to notify operators of threats and vulnerabilities so they can protect their systems and more importantly so they can avoid falling prey to nefarious actions. In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I hope that our colleagues across the aisle will support Bill C‑8.”
“Mr. Speaker, my thoughts are with Gabie Renaud's family and loved ones during this painful time. No one should have to experience such a tragedy. Gender-based violence simply has no place in Canada. We will soon be introducing legislation to make it harder for violent offenders to get bail. We are going to make hate-motivated murder, including femicide, a first-degree murder offence. We will always stand with victims.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are taking plenty of measures to counter these events. I would like to take this opportunity to address a few words to the family of Denis Blanchette and to Pauline Marois, former premier of Quebec. Having served as coroner during the Metropolis attack, I can finally tell them that we will be collecting the CZ 858, the weapon used by Richard Henry Bain at the Metropolis. I hope this will be some small consolation to them after all the anxiety and grief they have endured. Canadians' safety will always be our top priority.”
“Mr. Speaker, allow me to offer my condolences to the victim's family. We strongly condemn such actions and, above all, we want to keep them from happening again. We are going to reform the bail system. It is coming. It is just around the corner. The Conservatives are dwelling on this issue, but there is no need. The legislation is coming. We will also ensure that there are harsher sentences for repeat and violent offenders. We are going to hire 1,000 more people for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and put 1,000 more people at the border. We are going to limit imports of illegal weapons—”
“Mr. Speaker, our condolences go out to the victim and to the families. These are unbearable situations. We are going to do everything we can to keep them from happening. The Conservatives have a single solution to all the problems: build prisons. We are going to do a lot more than that. We are going to reform the bail system. We are going to impose harsher sentences. We will also ensure that law enforcement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency are better equipped. We are going to make sure that Canadians feel safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, everyone in Canada deserves to feel safe. We heard Canadians and we are acting on that. We are taking action. We are bringing forward bail reforms. We are going to introduce longer, tougher sentences for repeat offenders and violent criminals, and we are taking action in communities to stop drug trafficking, limit illegal firearms and get assault weapons off the streets. We are taking action for Canadians. We are listening to Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we already have a number of constitutional and legislative instruments guaranteeing privacy. Bill C‑8 is very clear on this. It simply allows information collection when faced with a risk that is serious and known. There will be no fishing expeditions. We have established the parameters that will guarantee Canadians' civil rights and liberties.”
“Mr. Speaker, the consequences of any breach in our telecommunications and cybersecurity would be catastrophic. It could paralyze the country. That is why we are taking action. We have a legislative model that will be the envy of all G7 and G20 countries. We are confident that we are fulfilling our obligations while respecting the privacy of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, we had the same concerns as my colleague. We made sure to strengthen those safeguards in the bill. There is now a reasonableness standard that the Governor in Council will be required to consider before issuing a direction or order. I think those safeguards are entirely satisfactory at this stage.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me remind members that this bill was brought before the House in the last Parliament. Obviously, we would be more than willing to consider amendments on anything that has changed since that time. I think it would be rather tedious to have the parliamentary committee repeat the same work done during the previous Parliament. In my view, the amendments we proposed are significant. They guarantee privacy. We are convinced that Canadians will view that as entirely reasonable.”
“As several other hon. members have already pointed out, this bill is long overdue. Passing Bill C‑8 will mark an important stage in the government's ongoing efforts to counter security threats and cyber-threats. It will protect the safety of Canadians and Canadian businesses. I urge my hon. colleagues to support it without delay.”
“The government is committed to defending Canada and its critical infrastructure. Cyber-threat programs sponsored or supported by states such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea represent the greatest strategic threats to Canada today. They are part of global campaigns of espionage, sabotage, and subversion carried out by these states. These malicious cyber-threat activities can seriously compromise Canada's national security, public safety, and economy. This bill is therefore essential to protect Canadians. It will enable the government to act quickly to promote the security of Canada's telecommunications system by minimizing risks to users. When we hear stakeholders express their concerns, we take them seriously. We work diligently in committee, guided by a spirit of collaboration and our commitment to the national interest.”
“These amendments will ensure that any new powers granted to the government are accompanied by appropriate controls to prevent abuse and strengthen accountability. (1005) They will provide the Governor in Council with greater clarity and fairness in the exercise of these new powers. In particular, the Governor in Council will have to take into account factors such as the operational and financial impacts on public safety before issuing any given order or direction. Thanks to all these changes, Bill C‑8 has been strengthened and will provide greater transparency and accountability to Canadians. It also provides additional safeguards for Canadians with respect to the protection of their privacy and personal information. Security threats and cyber-threats are becoming more frequent, complex, sophisticated, and politically motivated.”
“Some stakeholders pointed out that there was a risk that the government could issue orders or directions without consulting or considering relevant factors, such as the existence of reasonable alternatives. Although the Governor in Council already has a mechanism in place to control its powers, Bill C‑8 addresses these concerns by introducing a reasonableness standard and a non-exhaustive list of factors that the Governor in Council must first consider before issuing an order or direction. When issuing, amending or revoking an order or direction, the Governor in Council may consult with governments and industry, recognizing the need to do so in an expedient manner given the urgency of the situation.”
“Another amendment now sets out the information that must be included in annual reports to Parliament, such as the number of orders and directions issued and the number of service providers affected. What is more, in response to stakeholders' concerns regarding accountability, the bill was amended to require the government to notify the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians within 90 days after an order or confidential direction is issued. During review in committee, civil liberty groups and industry experts expressed concerns regarding the scope of the new powers granted to the government under this legislation.”
“Rather, these powers are intended to be used in rare and serious circumstances where there is an urgent need to respond to a known threat or vulnerability. These amendments are a direct response to concerns expressed by civil liberties organizations. Bill C‑8 also clarifies that confidential information must continue to be treated as such by anyone who receives it and must only be shared if it is absolutely necessary to do so. Other amendments also seek to improve government transparency and accountability. When the previous bill was examined in committee, stakeholders expressed concerns about the lack of public reporting requirements for the orders set out in part 1 of the bill. As a result, an amendment was passed to balance respect for confidentiality with the public's need for transparency.”
“We listened closely to the concerns they raised about the bill, as well as those raised by stakeholders in committee. One of the stakeholders' key concerns is the need to increase oversight and transparency while strengthening privacy protections. I want to assure all parliamentarians that the government has taken these concerns into account and has made significant changes to the bill to address them. Although a number of legislative and constitutional instruments already protect Canadians' privacy, Bill C‑8 provides greater certainty when it comes to protecting their privacy and personal information. In addition, “for greater certainty” clauses have been added to reassure Canadians that orders and directions cannot and will not be used to conduct surveillance activities or intercept private communications.”
“Mr. Speaker, first, I will be sharing my time with the member for Saint‑Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton . I am honoured today to have an opportunity to speak in support of the bill on cybersecurity. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we take action to protect our most important pieces of infrastructure against ever-changing security threats and cyber-threats. This is without a doubt a key piece of legislation, perhaps even a life-saving one for Canada. As we all know, this bill is the result of extensive consultations carried out by the government with numerous stakeholders. We consulted with the provinces, territories, municipalities, critical infrastructure owners and operators, cybersecurity experts, civil liberties groups and the academic community.”
“Mr. Speaker, I respect the opinion of the member for Calgary Centre. We spent the entire summer touring the country from coast to coast to coast, and now we know what Canadians expect from this budget. Budget 2025 is the next step in our plan to stimulate investment and build a strong, united Canadian economy that provides better-paying jobs, higher incomes and a buffer against global shocks. It will be the strongest economy in the G7. Budget 2025 will highlight the new fiscal discipline guiding our actions: Spend less so the country can invest more. We are reducing government spending and focusing our efforts on investments that promote economic growth. Budget 2025 will be tabled on November 4.”
“We are doing all of this because Canadians have given us a clear mandate: to take bold action to stimulate economic growth, create well-paying jobs and ensure that all Canadians fully benefit from the exceptional talent and ingenuity that our country is known for, whether it be our strong free trade agreements, our collective wealth or our unique prosperity. When faced with a choice between one of the world's top economists and a career politician who has never worked a day in the private sector, Canadians spoke loud and clear. Unlike the party opposite, we heard them, and in the global context of constant change, our government can reduce costs, reinforce stability and deliver greater security and prosperity for all Canadians precisely by carrying out this mandate.”
“For new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million, a partial GST reduction will also apply to support more Canadian families hoping to become homeowners. Through this same legislation, we eliminated the consumer carbon tax, refocusing carbon pricing on large emitters. To cite another example, the recent launch of the Build Canada Homes program will accelerate the construction of new housing to further reduce housing costs by increasing supply. We are not only transforming Canada's housing sector, we are streamlining federal approval processes to accelerate the construction of major projects.”
“This budget will invest heavily in housing and infrastructure. It will spur major private investment and establish new strategic agreements with trusted partners. At the same time, our government is introducing a new fiscal discipline in its day-to-day operations, ensuring more efficient and reliable public services. This discipline allows us to focus resources where they matter most: on sustainable growth that will ensure Canada's prosperity today and for generations to come, from coast to coast to coast, including, I would like to point out, in La Prairie—Atateken. We are also redoubling our efforts to make housing more affordable. Thanks to the GST relief on new homes valued up to $1 million, first-time homebuyers will be able to save up to $50,000.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Calgary Centre for his question. Our government is working to implement a clear and ambitious plan to build a strong, united and resilient economy that serves Canadian businesses, workers and families. The Minister of Finance and National Revenue has already announced that he will present budget 2025 on November 4. We are faced with a series of historic challenges, from unjust U.S. tariffs to constantly evolving global trade standards, on top of affordability and housing concerns. Budget 2025 will seize these generational opportunities to transform our economy. It will do this through ambitious investments, increased fiscal restraint and responsible management, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to build the strongest economy in the G7.”
“Mr. Speaker, all the weapons that have been declared prohibited were selected by a committee of experts, by people who know about firearms. We are not talking about members of Parliament here, but experts who know about firearms. These weapons meet all the criteria for military-style assault firearms. I want to reaffirm our government's commitment to upholding public safety through strict gun control. We are determined to get assault weapons off our streets, limit the devastating effects of gun violence and help make Canada safer. Assault weapons have no place on our streets. The compensation program for individual owners was recently launched in Cape Breton and will open to the rest of the country in the fall. It will move forward, which is what most Canadians want.”
“Through these initiatives, our government is taking meaningful steps to make Canada less vulnerable to gun violence while being fair to responsible, law-abiding owners and businesses.”
“Since 2016, our government has invested more than $1.4 billion in targeted initiatives. This includes more than $560 million to equip the RCMP and the CBSA with state-of-the-art tools to detect smuggled firearms, including the type of firearms used in the Portapique shooting. Last summer, our government announced that detectors, drones and helicopters would be deployed at the border, along with additional staff and canine units. This will greatly increase law enforcement's ability to detect and seize firearms and prohibited weapons. Together, our efforts are preventing firearms from being diverted to the black market, where they would be misused to commit crimes.”
“Now, our government has announced that it is moving forward with the program for individual owners. We are starting with a pilot project in Cape Breton. The program will then open to all eligible owners across the country with a declaration period in the fall of 2025, followed by a collection and compensation period in early 2026. However, no single program can stop gun violence on its own. That is why the compensation program is being rolled out alongside several other measures. The government's comprehensive plan to combat gun crime includes funding to build safe communities and to help stop gun and gang violence. It also includes strengthening our borders, where we have committed to adding resources to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling to prevent them from entering Canada.”
“Since 2020, it has banned approximately 2,500 makes and models of firearms. These are firearms that are not suitable for hunting or sport and that exceed safe civilian use. Getting these guns off our streets is in line with the recommendations of the mass casualty commission, which advocates banning assault weapons and rapidly reducing the number of weapons in circulation. These weapons can no longer be used. It only makes sense that our government would want to fairly compensate people who owned these weapons. I would also like to point out that 19,000 other models of firearms will remain available. As of April 30, under the assault-style firearms compensation program, more than 12,000 prohibited firearms had been collected from businesses and then destroyed.”
“Mr. Speaker, in reply to the hon. member's question, I am pleased to rise to discuss our government's commitments to strengthen gun control and to address gun violence in Canada. The safety of Canadians is the number one priority for this government and we are taking decisive action to stop the increase in gun violence at our borders and in our communities across Canada. [ English ] The Ruger Mini-14 used by Marc Lépine at École Polytechnique, the Beretta CX4 Storm used at Dawson College by Kimveer Gill and the CZ858 used by Richard Henry Bain at the Metropolis nightclub are assault-style weapons that have marked Canadian history. [ Translation ] The government feels that the significant risk posed by these assault-style firearms in no way justifies keeping them in Canadian communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Canadian women's rugby 15s team, which, despite their opponents' terrifying haka, won a historic victory last week against former world champions the Black Ferns. This past Saturday, our players lost to the new world champions, the Red Roses, but not without putting up a stellar fight. Anyone who has ever played with a Gilbert rugby ball knows that rugby is the ultimate team sport. Victory is impossible without cohesion and chemistry between team members, and our Canadian players demonstrated these qualities in spades both on and off the field. I want to celebrate the courage and determination of these women, including Sophie de Goede, who will surely inspire an entire generation of young athletes. I thank them. They are Canada's ambassadors.”
“This is more important than ever as we take decisive action to shift our economy from reliance to resilience and build the major projects that will unlock Canada's full economic potential and build a strong country.”
“Madam Speaker, our new government is committed to ensuring that federal procurement is open, fair and transparent. We thank the Auditor General of Canada for undertaking these important studies and for her findings and recommendations. I would remind the hon. member that, just last week, the Auditor General of Canada finally told the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates that she was satisfied with the measures put in place. We are making great strides as we evaluate our processes and find ways to continue strengthening procurement integrity. We know we still have a lot more to do, but I can assure the House that we are improving our procurement processes to ensure that rules and procedures are followed and properly documented, without exception.”
“When it comes to recovering funds, whether it is a case of fraud or simple overcharging, we will take legal action or collaborate with law enforcement agencies. As stewards of the public purse, we know that government spending must always meet the highest standards of accountability. That is the promise we made to Canadians. They deserve nothing less.”