Vince Gasparro
Eglinton—Lawrence, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I listened to the parliamentary secretary's remarks very closely. I was hoping she could touch on some of the experts who have helped advise the government on our law and order agenda, from police to members of our national security apparatus and transit workers, and everyone in between.”
“Madam Speaker, I find it really amazing that the member gets up and is more concerned about debating the price of paper clips than actually trying to help Canadians. She has voted against every affordability measure that has been brought forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, as a recovering banker, you will forgive me if I relapse for a moment. I want to recognize the Canadian ETF Association and the profound impact exchange-traded funds have had on investors globally. Canada gave the world one of its most important financial innovations: the exchange-traded fund.”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, I listened to the hon. member's remarks very closely. He knows I have a great deal of respect for him. However, to be quite frank, is this just a cheap political trick to try to score some points? Our new government made an announcement.”
“Through lawful access, there would be no access to an individual's browsing history or search history and no authority to monitor people indiscriminately or in real time. The legislation is deliberately narrow.”
“Outside of an outdated licensing regime dating back to the 1990s, co-operation between police services, CSIS and electronic service providers has relied largely on voluntary arrangements. These are slow and no longer relevant in a dangerous and fractious world.”
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“For example, we are proposing closing a loophole that has allowed law enforcement to open mail from FedEx and UPS, but not from Canada Post. Currently, drug traffickers can exploit this gap by shipping fentanyl in small quantities through Canada Post, beyond the reach of interception. The proposed strong borders act would change that by authorizing Canada Post to open mail with a warrant. Previous governments have focused on the root causes of crime, and as Liberals, it is the new government that will continue that responsibility and that work. Our government, this new government, is both tough on the underlying causes of crime and tough on crime itself.”
“It also said that it is clear “that public safety is a top priority for this new government.” Even the Canadian Police Association, the voice of over 60,000 frontline officers, has said that the legislation would “strengthen the ability of police to investigate and disrupt complex criminal networks by enhancing anti-money laundering enforcement,” and that “Bill C-2 would give police services the legal tools needed to respond more effectively to evolving threats.” Transnational organized crime groups are consistently adapting to new technology and adapting new methods of criminality, and we must ensure our law enforcement and national security agencies can adapt as well. That is why the new government is being thoughtful in its approach to legislation.”
“Some of these stakeholders are loud supporters of the bill. They include the National Police Federation, which stated it was “encouraged by provisions that strengthen lawful access to digital evidence, [and] improve collaboration with FINTRAC and financial institutions”.”
“Specifically, bringing FINTRAC's knowledge and expertise to assist our government's financial intelligence by sharing and receiving information. We will strengthen the oversight of our financial institutions in the fight against illicit financing and money laundering. These measures are in addition to and in support of the government's establishment of the integrated money laundering intelligence partnership with Canada's largest banks. This partnership will enhance our capacity to use financial intelligence tools to combat fentanyl trafficking and other forms of organized crime. Frankly, it will allow us to cut off the flow of illicit financing and go after the bad guys. With these significant anti-money laundering provisions, the government is addressing the long-standing concerns stakeholders have raised in recent years.”
“The strong borders act addresses common and dangerous types of money laundering, including through new restrictions on large cash transactions and third party deposits where someone deposits money into an account that is not their own. We will make the rules clearer for how the public sector and private sector can share information with each other to help spot and stop money laundering. Finally, the bill introduces amendments to the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act to foster a more integrated approach and strengthen coordination among federal financial oversight agencies, reinforcing Canada's high compliance standards. These amendments would improve inter-agency coordination and communication.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will strengthen the anti-money laundering framework and support the fight against financial crime more broadly. We will require reporting entities or business professionals who have obligations under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act to enrol with FINTRAC if they have not already done so. Enrolment would provide FINTRAC with accurate and up-to-date information on the businesses it regulates, supporting risk management efforts and improved communication. It would also enable FINTRAC disclosures to Elections Canada to detect and deter illicit financing and foreign interference in Canadian elections.”
“This means strengthening the administrative monetary penalty framework through increased civil and criminal penalties while establishing safeguards for small businesses so they are not disproportionately penalized. The strong borders act would enhance compliance program requirements and enforcement. It also means punishing serious criminal non-compliance by increasing the limits for all criminal fines 10 times. The stronger penalties proposed for non-compliance would better align Canada with other countries, including the United States and the European Union. The strong borders act would also introduce a new offence for the provision of false information to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, more commonly known as FINTRAC.”
“Bill C-2 would strengthen Canada's anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime through stronger penalties for financial crimes and by addressing the most prevalent forms of money laundering. It would enhance public-to-private information sharing and strengthen the supervision and compliance of financial institutions and other businesses and professionals with anti-money laundering obligations. The strong borders act proposes a comprehensive set of amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act to ensure that businesses and professionals regulated by the act are effective in detecting and deterring money laundering.”
“The bill would ensure that law enforcement has the necessary tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl and crack down on illicit financing and money laundering more broadly. These measures would bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks while ensuring that we protect Canadians' privacy and charter rights. One of the key goals of this bill is to strengthen the government's effort against illicit financing and money laundering. We know that money laundering supports and perpetuates criminal activity by allowing criminals, such as fentanyl traffickers, to profit from their illicit activities and then reinvest in their criminal enterprises. This makes strong and effective anti-money laundering controls a critical component of keeping Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to Bill C-2 , the strong borders act. I want to begin by thanking our dedicated officers from the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and our frontline men and women who serve within our local police forces, as well as those who serve within our national security apparatus. I thank all of them for their service and their commitment to keeping us all safe. Our border is maintained through rigorous enforcement, advanced technology and strong domestic and international partnerships. Although there is more to be done, this new government was elected in part to take concrete action in order to keep Canadians safe. This is why the bill in front of us, the strong borders act, is so important.”
“Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that this new Prime Minister , new MPs like me and this new government take this incredibly seriously. The fact of the matter is that we are hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel and 1,000 new CBSA members to go after the bad guys. I hope the member and all members on that side of the House will support us in the strong borders act.”
“Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that the new government is committed, like I said in the previous question, to taking the fight to the bad guys. We are committed to hiring 1,000 new CBSA workers and 1,000 new RCMP personnel. This comes back to the strong borders act. I expect the hon. member to support us in making sure that the police services have access to the resources they need.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada's new government takes the issue incredibly seriously. The fact of the matter is that the global rise of fentanyl has torn through our communities and our families. That is why the government has committed to hiring 1,000 new CBSA workers and 1,000 new RCMP personnel to take the fight to the bad guys.”
“We must stand united against the global rise of anti-Semitism. This exhibition stands as a timely and powerful call to confront anti-Semitism.”
“Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I had the opportunity to visit the Nova Exhibition in my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence for the second time. It was my first visit alongside the member of Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul's and the Prime Minister . The exhibition commemorates the brutal massacre carried out by Hamas at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, which tragically claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and eight Canadians and had over 251 men, women and children taken hostage. The exhibition is deeply moving as it retraces the harrowing events of October 7 and highlights the resilience of those who attended the festival. Sadly, it requires heightened security, a stark reminder of the continued threats faced by the Jewish community. Just this week, the National Holocaust Monument was vandalized right here in Ottawa.”
“Mr. Speaker, June marks Italian Heritage Month in Canada. Today we also recognize Festa della Repubblica , Italian Republic Day, a time to celebrate the rich culture, history and enduring spirit of Italy and its people. Almost 1.6 million Italian Canadians proudly call this country home. Many came to Canada with nothing, yet through grit and hard work helped build our cities, infrastructure and our communities. In my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence, we are proud to be home to a large Italian Canadian community, with the Columbus Centre and Villa Charities at Dufferin and Lawrence standing as the cultural and social heart of the community. Italian Canadians have not only contributed to our past but also continue to shape our future through younger generations who serve Canada with dedication and passion.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank the member for the question. In my past life, I advised the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation on infrastructure and sustainable finance investments it made. I can tell the member that the resiliency of indigenous Canadians is one to be marvelled at. On this side of the House, we have a strong commitment to partnering with indigenous communities—”
“Madam Speaker, people in my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence have been under threat over the last 18 months. The global rise in anti-Semitism that we are experiencing here at home is completely unacceptable. The government will be bringing forward the security zone legislation that we made a commitment to passing during the federal campaign. It is an important step forward in protecting the people not only in my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence, and specifically the Jewish community, but in all communities. It is completely unacceptable, what is happening on our streets. All levels of government have to do a better job at protecting minority groups. In this particular instance, I am referring to the Jewish community, which is something we take seriously on this side of the House. I know others on that side of the House take it seriously.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question, and I hope he gets back to his riding to see his family as well. It is challenging for all of us. It is absolutely imperative that we get the budget right. In a vastly changing economic environment, it is important to get it right rather than just presenting a budget for the sake of presenting a budget. We have to get it right. Canadians demand that we get it right and that it be as accurate as possible.”
“To truly be the true north strong and free, we must stand united, act with vision and show unwavering resilience. This throne speech marks a decisive step forward, one that will shape the future of the country not just for the next four years but for the next 40.”
“We will protect our communities' ability to worship freely by introducing security zone legislation to make it a criminal offence to intentionally and willfully obstruct access to any place of worship, school or community centre and a criminal offence to willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at these locations. My riding is home to a vibrant Jewish community that has faced intimidation at its schools, synagogues, day cares and homes. This legislation is an important step toward protecting not just Jewish Canadians' ability to worship freely, but all religious groups that make up our diverse country. Diversity will always be our strength, and protecting minority groups' ability to worship freely against lawlessness is a basic right guaranteed in our charter.”
“The Prime Minister 's agenda emphasizes fiscal responsibility, but as Liberals, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the vital and comprehensive social safety net that supports Canadians. Our government will continue the expansion of dental care, will support pharmacare and child care and will make a determined push to invest in skilled trades and clean energy industries, all reflecting our belief in the potential of every Canadian. We will cut taxes for the majority of Canadians, putting $840 per year back in the pockets of people in my riding of Eglinton—Lawrence and Canadians nationwide. Additionally, by eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers, we will help make home ownership more attainable, delivering savings of up to $50,000.”
“At the same time, we will ensure our conventional resources are developed to the highest environmental standards. We will achieve this in close partnership with provinces, territories, indigenous peoples and the private sector. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister , we are once again demonstrating that we can lead with conviction and build Canada strong. Our government is firmly committed to fiscal responsibility by capping spending growth, eliminating waste and boosting productivity, while continuing to support our most vulnerable. The Speech from the Throne makes it clear that we will build a stronger Canada and a more resilient Canadian economy, one that spends wisely so Canadians can invest confidently in their future.”
“I have spent my career financing institutional clean energy projects and infrastructure, and I know the transformative power that bold investment and smart regulation can have on our country. Our government will be taking decisive steps to deliver new investment, remove bureaucratic barriers and build a stronger economy. We recognize that Canada’s prosperity depends on our ability to harness our natural resources responsibly, to innovate in the face of global competition and to move at the speed of opportunity. Our government will build both clean and conventional energy to make Canada the world’s leading energy superpower. Our goal is clear. It is to establish Canada as a global energy powerhouse. We will invest in renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and the next generation of clean technologies.”
“As the world changes around us, Canada must lead with confidence as a strong democratic country and a leader in the free world. President Trump’s threats have also provided us with a wake-up call. For too long, Canada has failed to harness the full potential of our vast natural resources. We have created barriers that have held us back from building essential infrastructure, clean energy and new housing. Instead of one strong, united Canadian economy, we are operating like 13 separate ones. That needs to change and is changing. This is why it is with conviction and optimism that I rise today to offer my full support for the Speech from the Throne. The Prime Minister has presented a clear and compelling vision for the future of this country, and I am proud to stand behind his leadership in this House.”
“I was proud to serve as a fiscally responsible Liberal then, and I am equally proud to stand here today alongside the Prime Minister 's leadership as we renew our focus on building a resilient and dynamic economy to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Canada is being tested by rising protectionism and economic intimidation from our closest partner. President Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs seeks to undermine our unity and strength, but we are not yielding. (1205) We are a proud, independent nation shaped by strong values, resilience and a commitment to a fair, rules-based international order. I am proud that our government is committed to strengthening relationships with partners and allies around the world and that we will stand by the principles of international co-operation.”
“To put it in perspective, on election day alone we had over 400 volunteers. We attracted not only Liberals but disaffected Conservatives, Greens and New Democrats who believed in our vision for Eglinton—Lawrence, one that is based on providing representation that is both fiscally responsible and socially progressive. None of our success would have been possible without each and every one of them. The support and dedication from all our volunteers have meant the world to me. It is truly the honour of a lifetime to represent them during these incredibly challenging times. I began my political journey right here on Parliament Hill working for then prime minister Paul Martin. I learned the value of principled leadership, sound economic management and a government that balances ambition with responsibility.”
“After an emergency room visit with my daughter Isabella highlighted deficiencies in Ontario’s health care system, I decided the best way to change and improve things was to run in Ontario’s provincial election. Even though we outperformed the Ontario Liberal Party by 19%, we still fell short by 167 votes, but as fate would have it, between Donald Trump threatening annexation and the Prime Minister becoming leader, calls from the community grew loud for me to run just weeks later. With grit and hard work, hundreds of volunteers came out to work, and to see us win was remarkable. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my campaign team and all the volunteers who dedicated their time, rain or shine, through freezing cold and scorching heat, over the past four months. We knocked on over 90,000 doors.”
“I also want to recognize my grandparents, Vince and Donna Gasparro, who originally immigrated from Calabria, Italy, via Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Canada in 1959, and Gregorio and Irma Natale, who immigrated in 1954 and 1956, respectively, also from Calabria, Italy. They came to this country with nothing. They had families to feed and they worked hard. All they wanted was the opportunity to have a better life for themselves, their kids and the future generations they would never meet. The values of grit, hard work and sheer determination were passed on to future generations, but what was also passed on was the desire to preserve and improve on this great country, the country they chose to come to almost 70 years ago.”
“None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my wife Nicola Meyer, who I promised when we got married that I would keep life interesting. Well, to my love, promise made, promise kept. With Nicola I have everything; without her I have nothing. I am so proud of my two daughters, Isabella and Alessia. Their daddy loves them very much. I would like to thank Nicola and my daughters for letting me run not only once but twice in a matter of weeks. They stood by me through two campaigns and that means more than words can express. I want to thank my mom and dad, Filomena and Albert Gasparro, for their love, support and guidance over the years.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for South Surrey—White Rock . I rise today for the first time in this sacred institution with deep humility and gratitude as the newly elected member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence. I thank the people of Eglinton—Lawrence for the profound trust they have placed in me. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I pledge to serve with integrity, energy and dedication for every corner of our vibrant, diverse and hard-working riding. From Lawrence Heights to Lawrence Park to Forest Hill North to Neptune Drive to Lytton Park to Dufferin and Lawrence to Yonge and Eglinton, I will ensure that the voices of my constituents are heard and that I fight for them in this esteemed chamber.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member for York Centre and I have known each other for quite a while, and I want to congratulate him on his victory. He talked a lot about the Jewish community. As we know, Eglinton—Lawrence has a large and vibrant community. Does the hon. member support this government's plan to bring in security zone and bubble zone legislation?”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Vaughan—Woodbridge. As he knows, I have a great deal of respect for him and his journey here. In his remarks, he talked about the increase in our budget and spending. As someone who is from the steel industry, does he not agree with the fact that over 64% of our spending is in the form of capital spending, infrastructure spending, that will use Canadian steel, Canadian wood and Canadian labour?”