Amarjeet Gill
Brampton West, Ontario · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague has expressed many concerns in his speech on Bill C‑9 . Bill C‑9 removes the long‑standing good‑faith religious defence from the Criminal Code.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the chamber with a broken heart. Our community is mourning the loss of brave OPP constable Tarun Bali, a Brampton West resident who was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of Ontario.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister , Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The economy has shrunk for two straight quarters, and in three of the last four quarters. Productivity is declining. Businesses are struggling. Families are working hard and unable to get ahead.”
“When someone commits sexual assault, there must be consequences. Let us discuss another major concern with Bill C-16 . Conservatives proposed amendments to protect mandatory minimum penalties for some of the most horrific sexual offences in the Criminal Code.”
“Homes and businesses are being shot at, and threatening videos are being sent, demanding money. Families are living in fear. Some people have even left Canada because they no longer feel safe. Think about that. People came here to build a better life, but instead they are being terrorized by criminals.”
“The problem and threat remain. Gangs are now sending letters to police, boasting that they have thousands of extortionists ready to commit crimes. That should alarm every member of the House. Criminal organizations are becoming bolder, more organized and more violent, and Canadians are paying the price.”
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“Mr. Speaker, my colleague has expressed many concerns in his speech on Bill C‑9 . Bill C‑9 removes the long‑standing good‑faith religious defence from the Criminal Code. As a justice and human rights committee member, I spoke with many religious leaders and faith communities who have expressed concerns that sermons, religious teachings and sacred texts could be drawn into a criminal investigation. My question for the member is this: Why is the Liberal government weakening protections for freedom of religion instead of strengthening them?”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the chamber with a broken heart. Our community is mourning the loss of brave OPP constable Tarun Bali, a Brampton West resident who was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting the people of Ontario. Constable Bali was more than a courageous police officer; he was a a son, a husband and a proud member of our Brampton community. Every day, police officers run toward danger so others can be safe. Constable Bali made the ultimate sacrifice in that service. Today, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones, his colleagues at the Ontario Provincial Police, and all those grieving this profound loss. May his courage, dedication and service never be forgotten. He will be remembered. His family will miss him. We will miss him. May God bless his soul. May he rest in peace.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister , Canada is the only G20 country in a recession. The economy has shrunk for two straight quarters, and in three of the last four quarters. Productivity is declining. Businesses are struggling. Families are working hard and unable to get ahead. Young people feel locked out of jobs, housing and starting a family. Canada's economy is getting worse, not better. Will the Prime Minister tell us if we are in a recession, or does he believe Canadians are only technically struggling to pay their bills?”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite understands that crime is a problem in our communities, in our neighbourhoods and on our streets. Brampton families are living through a real extortion crisis, and that is why I mentioned them. I am really concerned about the safety and security of Brampton residents. Businesses are being threatened, houses are being shot at, and organized criminal networks are growing. Conservatives proposed amendments to strengthen penalties for extortion involving firearms and to prevent those penalties from being weakened. The Liberals rejected those amendments. I would be happy to see—”
“We will continue fighting organized crime and extortion, and we will work to restore confidence in Canada's justice system. Canadians deserves safe communities. They deserve a justice system that puts victims first. Conservatives stand with victims and law-abiding Canadians. Conservatives stand with the families who simply want to live in peace. Conservatives will continue fighting to ensure that Canada's justice system puts victims first, protects our communities and keeps dangerous criminals exactly where they belong: behind bars.”
“The government had opportunities to improve it by strengthening protections against extortion and sexual violence, by improving consistency in sentencing, and by restoring public confidence. Those opportunities were presented at committee. Conservatives brought forward constructive, practical and reasonable amendments, yet the Liberal government used its majority to reject them. That is disappointing. Canadians are increasingly concerned about crime. They see violence rising and repeat offenders returning to the streets. They want Parliament to act. They want laws that put public safety first and support victims. They want laws that ensure that jail means jail for the worst offenders. Conservatives will continue fighting for those principles.”
“Again, the Liberals rejected the amendment. That is unfortunate. People must believe that similar crimes receive similar consequences. That principle should not be controversial; it should be common sense. I want to be fair, so let me say that Bill C-16 is not entirely without merit. There are provisions that Conservatives support. Making the justice system more responsive to victims is positive. Reducing unnecessary delays is positive. Addressing coercive and controlling behaviour is positive. Addressing harmful deepfake images is positive. Those measures have value, but good measures alone do not make a complete bill. A justice bill must also prioritize accountability, protect victims, deter crime and ensure that serious offenders face consequences. That is where Bill C-16 falls short.”
“The justice system must rely on facts, evidence and reality. Justice must be based on what actually happened, not on the circumstances that may never occur, yet Bill C-16 would continue to allow courts to consider reasonably foreseeable circumstances. That language is vague. It is subjective and invites inconsistency. Two offenders could commit the same crime under the same circumstances but receive different outcomes because of speculation that undermines confidence, fairness and public trust. Canadians expect equal justice. They expect sentencing decisions based on evidence, not imagination. Conservatives proposed an amendment that would have restored clarity. It would have ensured that courts focus on the actual circumstances of the offender, the actual facts before them, nothing more and nothing less.”
“These are the worst cases. Cases involving severe violence and devastating harms permanently change the lives of victims. Canadians expect Parliament to speak clearly when it comes to these crimes. They expect us to stand with victims and denounce offenders. Instead, the government voted against those amendments. That sends the wrong message, especially in a bill that claims to strengthen protection for victims. If we truly support victims, we must ensure meaningful consequences for the worst offenders. Words alone are not enough. Victims deserve action. Another important amendment came from my Conservative colleagues at committee, an amendment dealing with reasonable hypotheticals. The principle was simple: The court should focus on facts, not on speculation or hypothetical possibilities.”
“When someone commits sexual assault, there must be consequences. Let us discuss another major concern with Bill C-16 . Conservatives proposed amendments to protect mandatory minimum penalties for some of the most horrific sexual offences in the Criminal Code. One amendment would have preserved mandatory minimum penalties for sexual assault involving a weapon, and particularly in cases involving firearms and involving children. These are not minor offences, and they are not mistakes. They are among the most serious crimes imaginable. When someone sexually assaults a child while using a weapon, society has a duty to respond firmly. The rights of victims matter, and the safety of children matters, yet the Liberals rejected that amendment. (1350) Conservatives also proposed protecting mandatory minimum penalties for aggravated sexual assault.”
“They were reasonable amendments that reflected the reality that extortion today often involves guns. Criminals fire bullets into homes and businesses, record it, then send the videos to victims and post the videos online. They use fear as a weapon, yet Liberal members rejected our proposals. When Conservatives tried to strengthen penalties against violent extortionists, Liberals said no. When Conservatives tried to stand with victims, Liberals voted no. That is disappointing because Parliament created mandatory minimum penalties for a reason: to clearly denounce the most serious crimes, establish consequences, protect society and provide certainty in sentencing. Canadians understand that principle. When someone commits murder or kidnaps another person, there are consequences.”
“The problem and threat remain. Gangs are now sending letters to police, boasting that they have thousands of extortionists ready to commit crimes. That should alarm every member of the House. Criminal organizations are becoming bolder, more organized and more violent, and Canadians are paying the price. This is exactly why Conservatives proposed amendments to strengthen the bill. We wanted stronger consequences, greater protection for victims and to send a message that extortion will not be tolerated in Canada. One amendment would have extended mandatory minimum penalties for extortion committed with a firearm. Another would have ensured that extortion-related mandatory minimums could not be weakened through the Liberal safety valve provisions. The Liberals have voted down all these community safety amendments.”
“Homes and businesses are being shot at, and threatening videos are being sent, demanding money. Families are living in fear. Some people have even left Canada because they no longer feel safe. Think about that. People came here to build a better life, but instead they are being terrorized by criminals. Recently, Peel Regional Police arrested 17 individuals connected to a major extortion network targeting South Asian businesses throughout Peel Region. I commend the officers involved. Their work was outstanding. The investigation revealed a coordinated campaign of intimidation, violence, threats, arson attempts and shootings. There were more than two dozen shootings, hundreds of rounds were fired, and businesses were attacked simply because owners refused to pay criminals. However, those arrests are only one step.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure to rise in the chamber on behalf of the great people of Brampton West. I rise today to speak to Bill C-16 , the protecting victims act, an act to amend certain acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters. As my constituents' member of Parliament, I have a responsibility to listen, to bring their concerns to the House and to fight for safer communities. When I speak with residents in Brampton West, one issue comes up again and again: extortion. Not once in a while but every single week, business owners come to my office, families send emails, and community leaders call. They are afraid and feel threatened. Extortion is up 330% across Canada, and it has become a national crisis. Criminals are targeting hard-working families and small businesses.”
“Mr. Speaker, my community is living in fear. Sadly, the Prime Minister is just another weak-on-crime Liberal. Every day extortion calls are coming in and houses and businesses are being shot at, and gangs are sending letters to the police bragging about having thousands of extortionists ready to commit crimes. Last week, the Liberals tried to boast that the Peel police busted 17 members of an extortion ring targeting businesses in Brampton, but half are already on Liberal bail. When will the Liberal government get serious and ensure that violent repeat offenders are in jail?”
“Mr. Speaker, we have seen that businesses are already leaving Canada, and the businesses of those who are here are struggling to survive. The Liberal streaming tax will hurt not only consumers, but also Canadian creators, podcasters and small digital businesses that are trying to grow online. My question to the member is this: Why is the Liberal government creating more barriers for Canadian innovation and digital entrepreneurship instead of helping it compete globally?”
“Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is a wonderful member of Parliament and a passionate public servant. Canadians are already struggling with rising costs. Every industry is struggling to survive. Now the Liberal government wants to make streaming services more expensive through its so-called streaming tax. Why is the government punishing families with another tax while affordability is already challenging for Canadian families?”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the excellent speech he gave and the concerns he displayed. Manufacturing industries are closing. Canadian workers and businesses already know there is no deal on the tariffs coming any time soon. Jobs are moving south. The U.S. is offering incentives for the manufacturing sector while the Liberal government is offering delays, higher taxes, more red tape and no clear path forward. Why are the Liberals making it harder to build and produce in Canada? Can the member explain the impacts of higher taxes, more regulations and the lack of a real plan to support our industries?”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the member opposite understands the problem, but he is not providing the solution. Instead of talking about the issue, he was focused on improving his French in his speech. The U.S. continues to impose tariffs on key Canadian sectors: steel, aluminum, lumber and auto parts. If Canada wants a deal with the United States, we need leverage. Our leverage comes from our strengths: our energy, our critical minerals and our ability to supply the inputs that North American industries depend on. Why have the Liberals failed to defend Canadian industries and workers in these critical sectors?”
“Mr. Speaker, we all agree that Canada is a wonderful country, and we must commit to making it even better. Today, we heard from my colleague, the member for Windsor West , about this issue. He said that he had an offer from members across the aisle to cross the floor. Time allocation and closure motions are too often used by Liberals to shut down debate. The committees should be a place of real accountability, not Liberal-controlled roadblocks. Does my colleague agree that changes to the Standing Orders should limit the abuse of these tools and restore respect for members of Parliament?”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague gave a thoughtful speech. Conservatives believe Parliament should hold the government accountable, not make it easier for Liberals to avoid scrutiny. Even today, the Liberals are filibustering at the ethics committee. Can my colleague explain how these proposed changes would impact the function of Parliament and how we ensure that Parliament works for Canadians, not just for the government of the day?”
“Mr. Speaker, Brampton families are living in fear. Extortion and organized crime are targeting small business and families. This week, multiple tow trucks were set on fire. Police believe these were targeted attacks. This is not isolated. My community is terrified. It is a growing pattern of violence and intimidation. When will these Liberals adopt our Conservative plan to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our communities?”
“Mr. Speaker, we all know that Liberals' soft-on-crime bills have given a free pass to criminals, and Canadians are suffering every day. We all agree on keeping Canadians safe, but not at the expense of their freedoms. Could the member explain why Bill C-22 would not strike the right balance between public safety and the fundamental right to privacy?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for his input to improve the legislation that we are discussing today. We all know that the Liberals' catch-and-release policies, whether Bill C-5 or Bill C-75 , have created chaos in cities, neighbourhoods and streets. Could the member explain why it is important to have a justice system that works for Canadians, and at the same time, how Bill C-22 lacks safeguards and accountability? Why does the member believe Canadians deserve stronger protection for their personal information?”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and celebrate Vaisakhi. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh . Vaisakhi is a sacred day for Sikhs in Canada and around the world. In 1699, our Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, founded the Khalsa, a moment of courage, equality and faith. April is also Sikh Heritage Month, a time to honour faith, history and contribution. Across Canada, Nagar Kirtan fills our streets. It brings communities together. It reflects seva, unity and generosity. Sikh Canadians strengthen our nation every day. Their contributions make Canada proud. As we honour this sacred day, let us reaffirm our commitment to freedom, compassion and justice for all. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. Bole So Nihal. Sat Sri Akal.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his passionate concern about the auto sector. We have seen, at Stellantis in Brampton, 3,000 workers laid off. I would like to ask the member a question about how he thinks our tariff-free auto pact would improve things and bring the jobs that we are waiting for and that our auto sector is waiting for. Also, could he emphasize how Liberal policies have failed the auto sector?”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada's auto sector is in crisis. Production has been cut in half since 2015 and dropped another 7.8% last year. Exports are down more than 53%. Over 5,000 workers are out of a job. In Brampton alone, 3,000 jobs have been lost. Under the Liberal government, the promise to protect this industry has proven to be an illusion. Instead of fighting for our workers, it accepted U.S. tariffs as permanent. Nearly $2 billion has been taken from Canadian auto manufacturers. What is worse is that the Liberals are subsidizing foreign-made vehicles while Canadian plants sit idle. That is not leadership. That is surrender. Conservatives have a plan to remove the GST on Canadian-made cars, end costly EV mandates and bring home a new tariff-free auto pact to double our production to two million vehicles a year.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have seen that this motion brought forward by the Liberals on Bill C-9 effectively limits debate, forces the House to rush legislation and raises serious concerns for many faith communities. We know synagogues and other places of worship are being attacked across Canada. Laws already exist to punish hate and violence, yet the government is failing to enforce them. Instead, it is pushing Bill C-9 and removing religious protection. Why is the government targeting religious freedom instead of protecting faith communities?”
“Mr. Speaker, we are trying to meet with constituents and Canadians. We conducted a town hall meeting in Brampton, like he conducted in Hamilton. I am receiving hundreds of emails. I am receiving hundreds of calls asking for the religious defence protection. Something is going wrong on the opposite side. They do not understand what Canadians need, and something needs to be addressed in the House so that Canadians can have the protection they deserve. I will say one more thing about this. My message is simple. It is that their voices matter. When I ran for office, I promised my constituents that I would be a champion for religious freedom, and I will continue to do that until it comes into effect. We will do our best to protect religious freedom, which plays a vital role in Canadian society.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite talked about what has already been addressed in the Criminal Code. My message is simple. Their voices matter. Faith communities play a vital role in Canada, and their freedom must be protected. I will continue to speak up for them and defend their rights, which are guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not think the member opposite listened to the religious leaders, stakeholders, associations or even his own Minister of Justice . He also mentioned he wants to talk to residents regarding Bill C-9 . Religious leaders, faith associations and stakeholders across Canada have expressed concern about the lack of clear protection of the religious defence. They want assurance that Canadians of faith can continue to live, teach and defend their beliefs freely under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
“It prefers speed over scrutiny, control over accountability and process over principle. Canadians deserve better. The Conservative Party of Canada will not support this approach. We believe religious freedom must always be protected. We believe faith communities deserve a voice in this Parliament and that members of Parliament must have time to examine legislation that could affect fundamental rights. Democracy does not get stronger when debate is shut down. It gets stronger when debate is open, serious and thorough. Therefore, the government should withdraw this programming motion, allow Parliament to do its job, faith leaders to testify and Canadians to be heard. When fundamental freedoms are at stake, rushing legislation is not leadership. It is reckless. For those reasons, I oppose this motion.”
“They strengthen the social fabric of our country. When those communities raise concerns about legislation, Parliament should listen. In a country as diverse as Canada, we must address these concerns. Religious leaders in Brampton and from coast to coast to coast deserve to be heard. Ultimately, listening to them strengthens our democracy. Instead, the government is trying to rush the process. Why the rush? Why limit debate when fundamental freedoms are involved? Why prevent faith leaders from being fully heard? Strong legislation can withstand scrutiny. Strong legislation listens to Canadians and welcomes debate, but the government seems determined to do the opposite. Under the Prime Minister , the Liberal Party of Canada continues to treat Parliament as an obstacle instead of a democratic safeguard.”
“When I ran for office and asked Bramptonians for their trust, I made a promise to stand up for fundamental freedoms, to defend the rights of faith communities and to be the champion for religious freedom in this Parliament. That promise did not end on election day. It continues every day I serve in this chamber. As a member of Parliament, I will continue to be a strong voice for religious freedom and Brampton West residents. I will continue to defend the rights guaranteed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and to ensure that the concerns of faith communities are heard in the House. Faith communities contribute enormously to Canada. Churches run food banks. Religious charities serve the homeless. Faith-based organizations provide shelter, counselling and support for the vulnerable.”
“That means Canadians have the right to practice their faith, the right to teach their beliefs, the right to organized institutions based on those beliefs and the right to defend those beliefs publicly and legally. (1330) Those protections are fundamental to our democracy. When legislation potentially affects those freedoms, Parliament has a duty to proceed carefully. That means more debate, more witnesses and more scrutiny, not less, yet this programming motion does exactly the opposite. It cuts off debate. It limits testimony, and it weakens Parliament's ability to fully examine the implications of this bill. I want to say something very clearly.”
“In my community, people from all walks of life go to pray at gurdwaras, churches, mosques, mandirs and synagogues. They exist as neighbours and friends. That is Canada and Brampton at their best. Religious leaders in my community do not seek to advance hate. They seek to advance the value of inclusion, collective responsibility and service to one another as stated by all faiths. For religious leaders, religion is about love, not hate. The right to advance one's belief is not a political preference. It is a constitutional right. It is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Section 2 of the charter guarantees freedom of conscience and religion.”
“I am incredibly proud to represent Brampton West. Brampton is an incredibly diverse city, both culturally and religiously. Brampton is part of the greater Toronto area, which is often referred to as the most culturally diverse area in the world. I am sure other members from the GTA will agree with that title too. In the GTA, it has been said that there are immigrants who come from every single nation on this planet. My community of Brampton is a great example of Canada's multi-faith mosaic. Every year, thousands of new Canadians immigrating from other countries around the world move to the GTA and to Brampton. They bring with them their unique cultural and religious practices. Canada's multi-faith nature is part of our heritage.”
“Serious concerns have already been raised about the impacts of Bill C-9 , especially when it comes to religious freedom and the ability of faith communities to defend their beliefs. This is not speculation. Across Canada, religious leaders, faith associations and community stakeholders have spoken up. They have asked for clarity. They have asked for protection. They have asked for assurance that the rights of faith communities will not be weakened. Christian leaders have spoken. Jewish organizations have raised concerns. Muslim scholars have expressed caution. Sikh and Hindu associations have asked questions. These communities are not asking for privilege. They are asking for protection. They want to know that people of faith in Canada will still have the right to live according to their beliefs and to defend those beliefs without fear.”
“When Parliament asks questions, they impose programming motions. That is not confidence in the legislation. That is fear of scrutiny. This chamber exists for a reason. Parliament is not meant to be a rubber stamp for the executive branch. It is meant to be a place where legislation is tested, improved, challenged and sometimes even stopped if it is flawed. Members of the Conservative Party of Canada believe Parliament exists to test legislation, not rubber-stamp it. We believe members of Parliament must have time to debate, committees must hear witnesses, stakeholders must be heard and Canadians must know that their fundamental rights are protected before laws are passed. That is why this motion is so troubling.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the House today on behalf of the residents of Brampton West to oppose the Liberal government's plan to shut down debate on Bill C-9 . I will be sharing my time with the member for Windsor West . Let us be clear about what this motion would do: It would limit debate, it would limit scrutiny, and it would rush legislation through Parliament. This motion is not about efficiency; it is about control. The government wants to move this bill forward quickly before Canadians fully understand its consequences. That is not collaboration. That is not transparency, and that certainly is not respect for Parliament. This has become the governing style of the Prime Minister and the Liberal Party of Canada. When concerns are raised, they shorten debate. When stakeholders speak up, they limit committee study.”
“Mr. Speaker, young Canadians are being locked out of home ownership. Home ownership is collapsing; for 30-year-olds to 34-year-olds, it fell from 60% to 52%. Supply is broken; for every 100 new adults, only 12 ownership homes are built. Sales are crashing; they are down 45% in the GTA and 56% in Vancouver. Builders are laying off workers, 100,000 jobs are at risk and 93% of young Canadians are worried. When will the Liberals adopt our plans and get out of the way so young Canadians can buy their first home?”
“Mr. Speaker, extortion is exploding and terrorizing communities across Canada, such as Brampton and Surrey. Homes and businesses are being threatened and shot at. Families are living in fear. Some residents have recently fled the country. Their families are in fear for their lives. This crime surge cannot become the new normal. Canadians are paying the price, but Canadians deserve safety, not excuses. When will the Liberal government take real action to stop extortion, crack down on organized crime and keep Canadians safe?”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in the chamber heartbroken and with profound sadness. The Brampton community is mourning an unimaginable tragedy. Five family members, Harinder Kaur, Gurjit Kaur Grewal, Bantvir Singh Deol, Anudeep Kaur and a baby boy, lost their lives in a devastating house fire. This heartbreaking loss has shaken families across Brampton and far beyond. The funeral service is taking place at Brampton Funeral Home, followed by a religious ritual at a gurdwara in Brampton West. I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the victims, and I urge Canadians to keep this family in their thoughts and prayers. As we enter the winter season, I urge everyone to check their carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and home ventilation system to help prevent tragedies like this and to protect our families and our homes.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent insight. He mentioned fiscal mismanagement, the cost of living and the deficit in his speech. Given that the Prime Minister mentioned that he would be judged by the price of groceries, why is it that Bill C-15 does nothing meaningful to reduce grocery prices, mortgage renewals or rent hikes, and instead layers on more spending that fuels inflation Canadians can no longer afford?”
“Mr. Speaker, the fundamental, basic difference among the Conservatives, the Liberals and the Bloc is that we want to work together but the Liberals are not willing to collaborate with us in making things happen in the country. They always politicize things when there are commitments on security, crime or any other issues that are important for Canadians. I would say that we have to enforce the law as it exists.”
“Mr. Speaker, I too am a member of the justice committee, and I can tell the House that for days and weeks the Liberals have filibustered the committee. They are not letting us conclude what Canadian expects us to. Even in the last 24 hours, one of the Liberal members of Parliament stood in the House and claimed we are not moving justice forward but are blocking it, but today we received a message that the justice committee meeting had been cancelled. The Liberals are not working effectively. They are not working in collaboration. We have to put forward the policies that will help Canadians in the coming future.”
“It would fail to give police clear tools. It would fail to deliver confidence to religious communities. It would fail to reflect the society we are proud to be. It fails the test of transparency, especially when the government cancels committee meetings rather than face scrutiny. Canada deserves laws that work. Our society deserves what is real. Every Canadian who values both safety and freedom deserves better. Parliament deserves legislation that respects rights, freedom and common sense.”
“Instead of developing a precise, enforceable, community-informed framework that strengthens prevention, enhances police capabilities and sharply targets people who spread real hatred and violence, the government drafted a bill so broad, so unclear and so poorly defended that experts, communities and law enforcement alike cannot confidently explain how it would be applied. This is not good governance. This is not how we protect religious freedom. This is not how we protect or support a pluralistic society. Conservatives will always stand against hate, but we will also always stand up for the charter. We will defend due process, we will defend clear constitutional law and we will defend the right of every Canadian to worship freely, speak freely and live without fear. Bill C-9 would not meet these standards.”
“(1350) When religious groups, cultural organizations or ordinary Canadians wonder if their speech or practices could be misinterpreted, fear begins to replace confidence, and when confidence erodes, the foundation of a pluralistic society cracks. Conservatives support protecting places of worship: temples, gurdwaras, churches, mosques, synagogues, and cultural centres, every sacred space. We support the right to worship freely and without intimidation. We support strong penalties for hate-motivated attacks, but we also support laws that work. Communities want real protection. They want scrutiny and resources, not flowery commitments. They want policing tools, not political theatre. They want faster responses, not confusing legislation.”
“Canadians deserve better than a government that filibusters its own bill and grinds committee work to a halt. What kind of confidence can Canadians have in the law when the government is afraid of its own committee hearings? Canada's strength is its pluralism, not in slogans but in real, lived experience in neighbours of different faiths supporting each other, in families practising different traditions under the same roof, and in communities celebrating their culture without fear. Pluralism requires trust, and trust requires laws that are fair, clear and constitutional. Bill C-9 would threaten that trust, because vague laws do not protect our society; they weaken it.”