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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“As a reminder, these measures include implementing a number of provisions designed to strengthen procurement oversight; beefing up evaluation requirements to ensure that resources are properly qualified for the duties they are expected to perform; requiring greater transparency from suppliers about their prices and the subcontractors they use; and improving our own documentation practices when awarding contracts and authorizing tasks. I would add that, following a thorough assessment of GC Strategies by the new office of supplier integrity and compliance, the company has been barred from entering into contracts or real property agreements with the Government of Canada for seven years, the most severe penalty.”
“After numerous investigations and reports related to the development of ArriveCAN, Public Services and Procurement Canada continues to implement measures that strengthen federal procurement, particularly as it relates to the procurement of professional services. Only this week, the Auditor General of Canada told the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates that she was satisfied with the measures put in place.”
“These are projects that will bring us together and transform our economy. That is why, under the current government, the Minister of Public Works and Procurement had “Government Transformation” added to his title. We have been moving forward at an unprecedented pace for years as we implement major projects that will unlock Canada's full economic potential and build a strong country. To create the type of country we need today, we have to change the way we work for Canadians, and that means changing the way we procure goods and services to become faster and more efficient. At the same time, we need to ensure that rules are followed.”
“Madam Speaker, let me begin by saying that this new government firmly believes in fairness, openness, and transparency in all aspects of procurement management. We are fully aware of past problems with respect to contracts and payments, particularly those made to GC Strategies and its predecessors in connection with previous investigations. The latest report reveals that many contracts and payments were in violation of the applicable policy framework and that these contracts did not offer good value for money, which is totally unacceptable. All governments have a responsibility to spend taxpayers' money with a clear commitment to optimizing resources, and the new government will maintain this commitment. It is more important than ever as we embark, as the member so aptly put it, on a series of new, nation-building construction projects.”
“Madam Speaker, I can hear the urgency in my hon. colleague's voice. We share his expectations. However, I would remind him that, in the meantime, Bill C-2 still needs support and has to be passed. Other bills will follow in order, as quickly as the House sees fit. I invite my colleagues on the other side of the House to participate in the work and to co-operate fully. We have better data on bail releases. We are now in a position to propose measures that will ensure that we can safely keep repeat offenders inside our institutions.”
“The “three strikes and you're out” motion they put forward last week was absurd. This policy has been a failure everywhere it has been tried. It is an idea that comes straight from the United States. I do not know if the official opposition remembers the last election, which it lost so decisively, but Canadians want made-in-Canada laws. We agree that action is needed to keep repeat violent offenders off our streets, but this is Canada, not the United States, and the people of La Prairie—Atateken, whom I represent, want to keep it that way. This fall, we will introduce a bill to improve our bail system, and I call on all parties to set partisanship aside and work with us to deliver the evidence-based solutions that Canadians expect and deserve.”
“Last year, with the former Bill C‑48 , we tightened the rules for violent repeat offenders and those who use weapons. This bill also strengthened protections for victims of domestic violence. All provinces and territories, including the Conservative ones, unanimously supported these reforms. However, we know that there is still work to be done, of course. Our government recognizes the need to continue strengthening the Criminal Code provisions relating to bail. I can say with great confidence that the government continues to listen and make the necessary changes to address the concerns that have been raised. I do want to point out that it is curious, to say the least, to see the strategy the Conservatives have chosen when it comes to making recommendations for bail reform.”
“The Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice have also reiterated this commitment. We will introduce legislation this fall for stricter bail and sentencing measures. I hope my hon. colleague will be satisfied. As everyone knows, the criminal justice system is a shared jurisdiction with the provinces and territories, which are responsible for administering the criminal justice system across the country. The federal government is working closely with the provinces and territories, including representatives from law enforcement agencies, to address concerns about the bail system and develop effective solutions. These issues will also be central to discussions among ministers in October at the meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for justice and public safety.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the bail system and criminal justice policy. Recent tragic events, marked by violent crimes committed by repeat offenders, are a painful reminder of the impact these acts have on our communities. These situations are unacceptable. I want to begin by offering my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, including the loved ones of Bailey McCourt in Kelowna and Abdul Aleem Farooqi in Vaughan. Let us be clear. Our Liberal government is committed to fighting crime and keeping Canadians safe. In our 2025 platform, we promised to tighten bail rules for serious and organized crime, and we will. Canadians have given us a clear mandate to act, and we will do so, whether it be in relation to car theft, organized crime, home invasions, human trafficking and smuggling.”
“That said, Canadians will sleep better tonight knowing that the Conservatives, who had promised this approach, ultimately reneged on it by not including it in their Bill C‑242 —”
“Madam Speaker, let me be clear. The federal government is committed to introducing legislation to strengthen the bail system in order to combat violent and organized crime. If someone is released on bail and has nowhere to go, that is not a failure of federal law. It is a failure of those who administer the justice system, and that is a provincial responsibility. It also means that provinces and territories must invest in mental health and addiction supports as well as supervision programs to make bail conditions enforceable and meaningful. With regard to the Conservative proposal of a “three strikes” law, I note that the member did not take responsibility for the Conservatives' about-face.”
“This rhetoric, aimed at scoring political points, solves nothing. It has failed everywhere it was put to the test in the United States. Even the Conservatives seem to have learned that lesson after losing the last election. In fact, despite campaigning on it, they did not even include the proposal in their bail legislation, Bill C‑242 . I offer the member the opportunity to rise and clearly tell Canadians that he was wrong and that this proposal was in fact absurd. Our Liberal government is committed to building a system that protects communities and addresses the causes of recidivism. For that, stronger laws are required. Investments in mental health, addiction treatment and community programs are also required. We will do our part, and we hope that the provinces will do theirs.”
“Police and prosecutors need adequate support from the provinces to keep dangerous offenders behind bars. At the federal level, our government has already taken action. In 2023, we introduced Bill C‑48 to tighten the rules for violent repeat offenders and those who use weapons, while strengthening protection for victims of intimate partner violence. These reforms were unanimously supported by every province and territory, including those with Conservative governments. That is federal leadership in action: bringing Canadians together and finding solutions that work. We will do more. This fall, we will introduce legislation to make bail and sentencing rules even stricter, especially for organized crime, auto theft and human trafficking. Unlike the opposition, we do not believe in empty slogans, like the “three strikes and you're out” rule.”
“In this case, the court found that imposing a curfew on a homeless person was, at the very least, imprudent and unrealistic. When the law is clear, it is not up to Parliament to amend it; it is up to the courts to guide those who make the decisions on the ground. To be clear, protecting the safety and security of Canadians demands collaboration from all levels of government. Our government is moving forward with ambitious reforms to the Criminal Code, but the provinces must also do their part. Too many of their courts and prisons are underfunded or overcrowded. The fact is, most bail determinations are made by justices of the peace, who are appointed by the provinces, not by Ottawa. Provincial prosecutors, who can and must challenge overly lenient decisions, are overwhelmed and under-resourced.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond to the hon. member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, even though he is comparing apples to oranges. He is all over the map. Let me begin by acknowledging the legitimate frustration many Canadians feel when they hear stories about repeat offenders being released on bail. These cases raise serious questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights, but we must be careful not to confuse symptoms with causes. The example that was mentioned, of a homeless person released on bail with a curfew, does not demonstrate that a law was poorly drafted. Indeed, current law, as set out in the Criminal Code and confirmed by the Supreme Court, specifies that release conditions must be reasonable and appropriate.”
“As the United States pulls back from our world, Canada’s continued leadership is critically needed to end this deadly disease. Join me in thanking the advocates here today who are working tirelessly to achieve this world.”
“Mr. Speaker, dozens of tuberculosis advocates and survivors are here in Ottawa today. They have come from across Canada and around the world to raise awareness among parliamentarians about this ancient infectious disease, which remains the deadliest in the world. Their tireless efforts have pushed governments worldwide to act on TB. Despite their successes, TB still claims the lives of over 1.2 million people each year. Here in Canada, TB disproportionately affects indigenous communities, as we have seen with recent outbreaks in Nunavut. Canada has been a global leader in our fight to end TB. Our investments in the global fund have helped to save countless lives, and Canadian researchers have helped transform the way we can detect and treat TB.”
“Mr. Speaker, not only are we hiring more personnel, but we also have more helicopters, drones and scanners. We are making more arrests and finding more and more drugs. In short, it is working. Two weeks from now, I will be attending a graduation ceremony for new recruits who will be joining CBSA.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are in the process of hiring 1,000 new customs officers and 1,000 additional RCMP personnel. We are already seeing a dramatic drop in illegal imports of firearms and fentanyl. We are keeping our promises, and we will soon have the personnel we need to do this work.”
“Mr. Speaker, in addition to the initiatives my colleague, the Minister of Justice , just outlined, we are studying a very important bill, Bill C-2 , which will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to fight crime. We are talking about fentanyl, firearms smuggling and transnational gangs. This will have a direct impact on our communities and on safety in our streets. We will always be there to keep Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was thrilled to hear my colleague's summary. He told us how Canada was built through big projects like the railway and the Trans-Canada Highway. I am curious to know my colleague's reaction to the new high-speed rail project between Toronto and Montreal, and the economic boom it will generate. This is exactly the kind of thing he was telling us about.”
“Mr. Speaker, the measures at the border are working. We have reduced smuggling. This month, barely half a kilogram was seized at Canada's borders. The hard work is paying off. We will win our fight against fentanyl. It is also important that we continue our work across the country to keep people safe. As I said, substance abuse is a complex issue. There is no easy solution, but we are continuing to invest in the health and safety of Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, La Prairie—Atateken is indeed a very beautiful riding. Our riding is no different from the rest of Canada. It has problems, too. Economic growth will go hand in hand with keeping people safe and healthy. In today's world, people face all kinds of challenges around mental health, physical health and safety. I am pleased to be contributing to this noble objective and to be making life even better for the people of La Prairie—Atateken.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are in the process of hiring people. I do not have the exact figures, but I would be happy to share them. Anyway, we are on track to fill these gaps, and we will be hiring people as they graduate. I will actually be attending a graduation ceremony next month on October 26. New graduates are on the way. We look forward to hiring them and putting them to work to better protect Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his excellent question. In fact, what we need to understand is that crime evolves, criminals' methods change, and organizations have become much more powerful; they are now transnational. There are actions that need to be taken that go beyond what used to be done. The courts are there to keep an eye on the government and tell it when it is going too far. That is why this bill addresses certain shortcomings that had been recognized by the courts. I hope the members on the other side of the House will support us.”
“Basically, it aims to protect the Canadian immigration process. Our government's absolute priorities are protecting our communities and the prosperity of our economy. These priorities go hand in hand. A strong economy requires safe and secure borders. Our economy cannot prosper unless we introduce tough measures to fight crime. That is why I urge all members to support Bill C‑2 .”
“Finally, the bill facilitates the fight against sex offenders and child pornography on the Internet by enabling Canada to work better with its international partners. The government is convinced that these measures are necessary to combat transnational crime in the 21st century, and it is not alone. Several organizations are saying the same thing, including the National Police Federation, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which states that “[p]roposed changes by the federal government that would reduce barriers Canadian police face when investigating the growing number of online crimes…have the full support of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection”. Bill C‑2 reinforces Canadians' security by making major changes. It will prevent irregular migration and mass movements of people.”
“However, reducing the availability of illicit drugs in our cities remains a key measure that no one should be questioning. The bill also takes action in other areas, such as the illegal export of automobiles. Until now, customs efforts have focused on goods entering Canada. Going forward, the government wants to take even more drastic action by effectively cutting off the main market for car dealers, namely, the market outside Canada. The bill also gives the Canadian Coast Guard a new role. Its current mandate is to ensure the safety of all mariners in Canadian waters. We are adding new responsibilities related to national security. From now on, the Coast Guard will be able to continuously monitor suspicious movements, patrol, and facilitate the interception of illegal shipments.”
“If we want to intercept them at the border and ensure strict federal oversight, we need to have an up-to-date registry. With a new Canadian drug analysis centre, we will also be able to determine not only the content of these drugs, but also their origin, because of the chemical markers. The overdose crisis continues to have a significant impact on Canadian families and communities across the country. The ravages of fentanyl are visible in all of our downtown urban cores. We need action. Even when illicit fentanyl use does not result in death, it causes serious and often permanent harm, especially among the most vulnerable members of society. Bill C‑2 tackles the fentanyl problem head-on. As a physician, I know all too well that addiction is a complex problem, and there is no single or easy answer.”
“The bill allows the deployment of additional officers and provides tools to stop drugs from being imported and exported by mail. This will be especially useful in northern territories and rural municipalities where trafficking often occurs by regular mail, as my colleague, the member for Eglinton—Lawrence , explained so well. As things stand, letters cannot be inspected, even with a proper warrant. In cases where reasonable doubt exists, the bill proposes that mail now be opened. Finally, the bill allows fentanyl precursor chemicals to be listed in the schedule of illicit substances to prevent them from entering Canada. To that end, there will be a new accelerated scheduling pathway that will enable the Department of Health to quickly list new products. New fentanyl precursors are appearing every month.”
“The act also aims to stem the international flow of proceeds of crime and terrorist financing activities. Bill C‑2 authorizes banks to collect and use personal information when they have reason to believe that certain transactions are a front for money laundering activities. The act also prevents third parties from depositing cash in amounts exceeding $10,000. By making it harder to move money, it becomes harder for transnational organized crime to operate. This government is determined to take action on money laundering. (1545) Similarly, Bill C‑2 aims to get tough on the same international criminal organizations in a number of other ways. One of its major aims is to limit the flow of fentanyl to and from Canada.”
“No actual personal information will be shared. Rather, peace officers will be able to find out whether the service provider provided services to the subscriber and, if so, whether the service provider has information regarding that person. If the peace officer wants to take things further, they must then go through the proper channels to get a warrant to get that information. The intention here is to enable law enforcement officers to fight crime effectively while ensuring that legal safeguards remain in place to protect access to personal information. As a result, I would like to reassure Canadians that the legislation complies with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as applied in the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in Bykovets and the ruling rendered by Justice Boone of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“At the same time, Canadians expect the government to act effectively and send a clear message that it will never tolerate any form of crime, particularly crimes such as human trafficking. Making laws is one thing, but we must also provide the means by which to enforce them. This government is committed to enforcing these laws. It is a matter of fairness. In this country, the notion that crime pays will not be tolerated. It is therefore important to give law enforcement officers the means to do the job we expect them to do. In order to accomplish that, first, when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, peace officers must be able to better plan their investigations. More specifically, they must be able to communicate with public service providers without the need for prior judicial authorization.”
“In recent years, it has become clear that, in many circumstances, the law has hindered customs officers and RCMP investigators, preventing them from stopping crime and conducting investigations to punish those who break the law. Meanwhile, criminals have increasingly sophisticated equipment at their disposal and are constantly innovating with new tactics. In short, it is important to modernize the framework within which law enforcement operates to effectively combat the ever-evolving tactics of criminals, particularly transnational gangs. Canadians care deeply about the rights and protections afforded to them by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The government heard that message loud and clear, which is why each section of the bill has been carefully considered.”
“We have adopted advanced artificial intelligence technology, deployed drones and helicopters and brought in fentanyl-detecting dogs. More generally, we now have better coordination with our partners. Other measures to protect our communities will follow. These include the removal of assault weapons and making bail more difficult for repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes and certain other types of particularly repugnant crimes, such as breaking and entering into a home while people are present. Law enforcement officers are doing their job, but until recently, they have been hampered by certain provisions of the law that have unduly complicated their work.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this debate on Bill C‑2 , the strong borders act. The government's number one responsibility is to keep families, children and our communities safe. We must bear this in mind as we analyze Bill C‑2, an ambitious but necessary piece of legislation to correct a number of shortcomings observed over the years. This bill will help us address some of today's most pressing public safety risks. The first thing everyone needs to understand is that this bill is part of and consistent with Canada's border plan. We appointed a fentanyl czar and added several cartels to the list of terrorist entities in the Criminal Code. In addition, we recruited 1,000 new customs officers and 1,000 new police officers.”
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) and in accordance with the Policy on Tabling of Treaties in Parliament, I have the honour to table, in electronic format and in both official languages, the treaty entitled “Agreement between Canada and the European Union on the Transfer and Processing of Passenger Name Record Data”, done at Mirabella Eclano on October 4, 2024.”
“Mr. Speaker, the strong borders act will crack down on organized crime, while making communities safer and providing the necessary guarantees to people who come to our borders and who are entitled to have their rights respected.”
“Mr. Speaker, fentanyl is ravaging our communities and tearing families apart. That is a well-known fact. Bill C‑2 will step up the fight against fentanyl trafficking through important measures such as tighter controls on the chemical precursors used to manufacture fentanyl and enhanced powers for law enforcement to intercept and search shipments suspected of containing illegal drugs. We have also designated drug cartels as terrorist organizations. We will always be there to protect Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, I would like to reiterate our government's commitment to public safety, including through stricter gun control. We have banned over 2,500 assault-style firearms that were deemed inappropriate for recreational use, whether it be for hunting or sport shooting. Some 12,000 guns were bought back during the business phase of the program. Phase two, for individuals, will be announced shortly. It will ensure that responsible gun owners are properly compensated. The government has invested $1.3 billion in initiatives to make our communities safer. Too many lives have been lost to gun violence. We will continue to take decisive action to strengthen controls, stop guns from being smuggled across the border and impose tougher criminal sanctions for firearms trafficking.”
“Furthermore, in the last throne speech, the government announced the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters to detect illegal goods, as well as additional personnel and canine teams along the border. This will greatly increase the ability of law enforcement to detect and seize firearms at the border. Furthermore, criminal sanctions for firearms smuggling and trafficking recently increased from 10 years in prison to 14. This change should act as a more powerful deterrent and support the prosecution of offenders involved in firearms smuggling. Together, these efforts seek to prevent guns from being diverted to the black market, where they would be used to commit crimes, such as future shootings. Through these initiatives, the government is acting responsibly.”
“In addition to the gun buyback, the government's comprehensive plan to protect Canadians from gun crime includes other significant measures such as strengthening our borders, where we are committed to adding resources to combat gun trafficking and smuggling in order to keep guns from entering Canada. Since 2017, the government has invested more than $1.3 billion in security initiatives, including the initiative to take action against gun and gang violence, the building safer communities fund, and investments to equip the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency with state‑of‑the‑art tools such as X-ray machines to detect smuggled firearms and firearm parts.”
“More firearms were banned in December 2024 and March 2025, bringing the total number of prohibited firearms to 2,500. A compensation program that focused on businesses was put in place first. As of April 30, 2025, businesses have claimed compensation for more than 12,000 prohibited firearms, and as of June 16, more than 10,600 of these firearms have been destroyed. The government will soon introduce the second phase of this program, which will fairly and equitably compensate owners in the same way as it did gunsmiths. Work to expand this program to individuals is progressing well. However, no single program or initiative can address the issue of gun violence.”
“Mr. Speaker, in response to the hon. member for Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, I am pleased to be able to tell him about our government's commitments to strengthening gun control and fighting gun violence in Canada. The safety of Canadians is one of the government's top priorities, and we are taking decisive action to prevent a rise in gun violence across the country, in all of our communities. In 2020, following the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history, in which 22 Nova Scotians died, the government felt that the significant risk posed by certain firearms could in no way justify keeping them in Canadian communities. As a result, the government banned over 2,000 makes and models of firearms. Let us be clear, these are firearms that are not suitable for hunting or sport and that exceed safe civilian use.”
“Mr. Speaker, Quebec is switching to electric vehicles because there is a well-developed network of charging stations on our roads. I would like the member to tell us how the standard of availability of electric vehicles will contribute to the growth of a Canada-wide network, and perhaps convince the rest of the country to follow Quebec's lead. I would also like the member to tell us how many charging stations he thinks need to be added to the existing network.”
“Mr. Speaker, I wonder if the member could elaborate on the fact that, for the first time in a very long time, indigenous people will finally be allowed to participate in projects, to be part of projects and therefore be able to work on the very design and development of these projects, as well as benefit economically from them. I would like the member to comment on that, because this is new. Bill C-5 includes this promise of a much brighter future for indigenous peoples.”
“Mr. Speaker, the firearms buyback program is a serious program to keep our communities safe. Some 12,000 weapons have already been bought back and 10,000 have been destroyed. The buyback program provides fair compensation to businesses, and soon to firearms owners. We will be going to the RCMP depot soon to meet with members of the Canadian firearms program and to hear their concerns in order to implement the program as quickly as possible.”
“Mr. Speaker, the strong borders act would combat organized crime, protect the integrity of our immigration system and equip law enforcement with the tools it needs to strengthen our border. Bill C-2 would also contribute to our crackdown on fentanyl trafficking with important measures to support law enforcement, such as improving inter-agency intelligence sharing and empowering law enforcement to intercept and search shipments suspected of smuggling illegal drugs.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have a responsibility to oversee the work done by our public servants. We take that responsibility seriously. We will do it. The member for Rimouski—La Matapédia may have forgotten that when the ArriveCAN contract was awarded, there was a bit of a pandemic that—”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague is absolutely right. There are no new recommendations in this year's report. The Auditor General simply asked us to continue to diligently apply the recommendations that have already been implemented. There is just one more recommendation left to implement, and that is to obtain more detailed billing for projects and contracts in terms of the hours and type of work provided, and the CBSA is on track to address that recommendation. That is a score of 7.9 out of 8.”