Kristina Tesser Derksen
Milton East—Halton Hills South, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, it is my honour today to recognize the recipient of the 2026 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, Georgetown's own Chris Cuthbert. Chris has been a dedicated member of the sports broadcasting community since his time at Queen's University, now serving over 45 years as a sports broadcaster.”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to my colleague's speech. I worked as a family law lawyer, and I assisted women who were fleeing violence at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, what a heartfelt speech from my colleague. I am so glad I was here to hear it. I have mentioned in the House before that I worked as a family law lawyer. I worked in the violence against women sector, and I worked with women who were fleeing violence at home.”
“Mr. Speaker, my colleague mentioned municipalities in her speech. I am a former municipal councillor. Municipalities at any given time have a lot of balls in the air that they have to balance. One of the big ones is housing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to the 2026-27 main estimates for national defence and to this government's efforts to rebuild, rearm and reinvest in the Canadian Armed Forces. We all know the global threat landscape has changed.”
“We are also requesting $1.2 billion for fleet equipment readiness to give the defence team the direction and resources needed to adapt and respond to a more dynamic and complex security environment. Canada also needs to make major investments in future capabilities.”
The complete record
Every one of 171 lines we hold for Kristina Tesser Derksen, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 4.
“The Online Streaming Act ensures that Canadian stories and music are supported and showcased on major streaming platforms operating in Canada, alongside the significant volume of U.S. and foreign content available on these services. [ English ] The growth of online streaming services has opened the door to an unprecedented range of content choices for Canadians, yet in this vast digital landscape, Canadian stories and creators can be difficult to discover and recognize. The Online Streaming Act helps ensure that Canadian voices, music and shows remain visible and accessible to audiences across the country. Supporting the discoverability of Canadian content is not just about entertainment. It is about reflecting our experiences, our perspectives and our identities to Canadians.”
“In November 2023, the government issued policy directions to guide the CRTC during its implementation of the Online Streaming Act. Those directions required the CRTC to ensure that streaming services would make meaningful contributions to the broadcasting system and that there would be robust consultation with industry stakeholders and civil society. Since that time, the CRTC launched several consultations and conducted public hearings to gather input on various aspects of the Online Streaming Act implementation, with a view to modernizing the broadcasting regulatory framework in the public interest. [ Translation ] Canadian programming should be widely available on streaming platforms.”
“[ Translation ] Through the Online Streaming Act, the government sought to give the CRTC the powers and tools needed to regulate online broadcasters fairly, including by imposing regulatory requirements by way of conditions of service. [ English ] The act established the foundations for all service providers, including streaming services, to contribute fairly to the broadcasting system. Canadian studios and creators should not be disadvantaged. Canadian culture deserves a supportive and conducive environment for its flourishing both online and off-line. This is what the Online Streaming Act has made possible. How were the online streaming services brought into the system in the first place? The Online Streaming Act modernized the Broadcasting Act by confirming that online broadcasters are subject to Canada's regulatory framework.”
“As the revenues of traditional radio and television broadcasters stagnated and declined, so did the level of support for Canadian music and stories, and for the creative professionals behind them. Changing viewing habits put the future of Canadian audiovisual content at risk, as audiences moved away from traditional broadcasters, who are subject to Canadian content requirements, toward foreign, largely United States-based online streaming services. These streaming platforms had no obligation to support Canadian content, until the Broadcasting Act was updated by the Online Streaming Act. Let us review the role of CRTC.”
“Thanks to this system, generations of Canadians have grown up listening to Canadian music on the radio and watching Canadian shows and films on television. A distinctly Canadian space allows us to share our stories in order to better understand each other and to better grasp what it means to be Canadian. Before the Broadcasting Act was modernized, we were clearly at an inflection point. The industry was evolving faster than our policy frameworks were designed for. Business models were upended. Audiences were fragmenting. Technology was transforming how content is created, financed, distributed and discovered. That pace of change was not slowing down.”
“Thirty-five years ago, Canada was still building its place in the global screen sector. We were still fighting for space and recognition. (1220) [ Translation ] Today, Canada has one of the strongest and most respected audiovisual ecosystems in the world. It includes film and television, animation and documentaries and, increasingly, digital and interactive content. We are a global production hub, we develop world-class talent and we have built institutions that have supported generations of creators. This is a source of pride. Canada has one of the strongest audiovisual sectors in the world, and that did not happen by accident. [ English ] Our culture is the result of deliberate decisions made by Canadians to support it, and the Broadcasting Act is no exception. It is an essential cultural legislative text.”
“The CRTC struck a balance between those producing Canadian television and those of us who watch it. The decision creates a fair, flexible and adaptable framework that supports Canadian artists and the growth of Canadian creative industries. I am not here to defend the CRTC's decision. Rather, I am here to talk about the important work of future-proofing the Canadian broadcasting sector, which started almost a decade ago. This recent CRTC ruling is just one milestone, significant as it is, in a long journey to modernize the Canadian broadcasting system. It is the culmination of several years of work from legislators in this very House and the CRTC. Let us take a look back. As members know, the Online Streaming Act was the first major reform of the Broadcasting Act since 1991.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to rise today on behalf of the constituents of Milton East—Halton Hills South. Today I rise to speak in support of the Online Streaming Act and its implementation by the CRTC. On May 21, 2026, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission released two regulatory policies implementing Bill C‑11 , the Online Streaming Act. Those rulings focused on a modernized framework for Canadian programming expenditures, the discoverability of Canadian content, and support for television services of exceptional importance. The CRTC decision reduced the obligations on Canadian companies that are losing market share, while imposing for the first time Canadian expenditure requirements on streaming companies.”
“I am so grateful for the support of my family, my community, my wonderful staff, my fabulous colleagues and for the leadership of the Prime Minister , who is focused on bringing Canadians together, uniting people across regions and across party lines. We are one year in, and there is still so much more to do. I will keep working every day to deliver for Georgetown and Milton.”
“Mr. Speaker, one year ago, the people of Milton East—Halton Hills South placed their trust in me to represent them in the House. It is an honour I carry proudly every day. In that time, we have delivered real results. We have secured $2.9 million for affordable housing in Georgetown, and we are just getting started. Through the Canada summer jobs program, we have increased opportunities for young people by adding 100 positions this year, which is an increase of nearly 85%. I have shown up, and I have listened. I have acted by helping residents in Milton and Georgetown navigate federal services and by cutting through red tape when it mattered most.”
“Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Bill C-22 , an act respecting lawful access, was referred to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. As this critical piece of legislation continues its parliamentary journey, it is important to remind Canadians how overdue a lawful access regime is in our country. This has been requested by law enforcement agencies for decades. Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety expand on how crucial this legislation is for the safety and security of all Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, l thank my colleague for presenting the bill, and I am proud to be the seconder. My youngest son is completing his apprenticeship to become an electrician. Given our government's very ambitious plans to engage in nation-building projects, whether in housing or other large projects, we know that we are going to have to encourage more young people to get involved in the skilled trades. Could my colleague please comment on how he sees the legislation's encouraging young people to take up skilled trades?”
“Mr. Speaker, what my colleague has asked really goes to the crux of what Justice Arbour found in her report. I would say that no, I do not know of any other situation where a victim would potentially have to come forward to superiors or have the case heard within a workplace. I think we have to be very cautious. I know my opposition colleagues have been talking about options, but we have to be cautious about weighing options and certainty, and we have to be very cautious that we do not underestimate the potential pressure or coercion a victim may be subjected to by superiors within the workplace to have their complaint heard, in this example, in a military court because there could be more favourable conditions to the accused in that situation. That is something we have to be very cognizant of.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am not a member of the committee at which this was studied. However, I am a lawyer, and I have worked in the space of intimate partner violence and violence against women, so the perspective I bring is my own. As far as working through amendments and committees, this is something that I believe every elected member of Parliament wants to do in good faith at all times. That does not necessarily mean that colleagues across the aisle will get the result they want every time.”
“Mr. Speaker, certainly, we give great weight to the testimony of victims and of the good doctor my colleague referenced. I would note that Justice Arbour, who has a long and illustrious career in the judicial system and who has been recognized as an international champion of human rights, carried out a very extensive investigation for her report, for which she consulted hundreds of witnesses, or possibly close to 1,000. She stated through her review that she still found a deeply deficient culture within the military and she had seen no meaningful improvements. Therefore, I would defer to Justice Arbour's recommendation.”
“I know that building trust and confidence in our military justice system is a critical element in ensuring that this change continues and endures. The proposed changes in Bill C-11 would modernize the military justice system, and particularly how that system handles cases of Criminal Code sexual misconduct.”
“Bill C-11 would take the final necessary step to make this a lasting reality and ensure that all cases would, once and for all, go through the civilian court system. Any attempts or suggestions to overturn, stall or block this progress from continuing are a disservice to the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. Bill C-11 would ensure that victims and survivors of Criminal Code sexual misconduct would have a fair, transparent process without any real or perceived influence from their chain of command. Over the past few years, I have watched the Canadian Armed Forces undergoing a period of cultural evolution and change. Like many Canadians and many of my colleagues, I am encouraged by the positive and forward-looking changes that have been made.”
“However, opposition amendments propose to reverse this directive, reject Justice Arbour's recommendation and, in fact, go backward. Victims and survivors of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces deserve clarity and transparency, not steps backward. It is clear that the interim directive and the spirit of Justice Arbour's recommendation five have been making a tangible, clear and meaningful difference over the past five years. Since December 2021, every single new Criminal Code sexual misconduct case that has occurred in Canada has been successfully transferred to the civilian system. This means that every new case is being prosecuted in a manner that is fair, that is transparent and that inspires trust in the system for the victim.”
“It would be even more difficult for victims to navigate the justice system due to the complexity of the new procedures included in the bill as amended by the opposition parties. Moreover, the lack of clarity and transparency would have a negative impact on the military justice system, victims and survivors. It is important to remember that an interim directive to implement recommendation five by transferring cases until legislation passed has been in place since December 2021. That means that since December 2021, all new charges of sexual offences under the Criminal Code have been brought into the civilian justice system, and none of these offences have been tried by the military justice system. Bill C-11 proposes to solidify this interim directive and make it permanent, just as Justice Arbour recommended.”
“While these programs and tools can help survivors cope with the experience of sexual misconduct or trauma, it is equally important to support them through the complex and difficult process of pursuing justice. Many survivors have said the justice system makes them feel excluded or even victimized all over again. This is one of the driving forces behind the changes to the military justice system proposed in Bill C-11 . I will speak briefly to Bill C-11 's journey through committee. (1230) Justice Arbour's recommendation five, the recommendation to transfer all Criminal Code sexual misconduct cases from the military police to the civilian police, is at the heart of Bill C-11 . However, the amendments proposed by the opposition parties at the committee stage run directly counter to this recommendation.”
“This program extends the support offered through the centre into the communities it serves, increasing collaboration between National Defence and third party, community-based organizations. These organizations can in turn provide valuable support for survivors and have the capacity and expertise to provide support to those affected by military sexual trauma. These essential resources complement the centre's other offerings, ensuring that survivors can access support anywhere in the country when, where and how it is needed most. Through peer support programs, survivors can share their experiences and support one another in groups that include mental health practitioners and trained peer supporters with their own experience of sexual misconduct or military sexual trauma.”
“This change and others proposed through Bill C-11 complement programs, services and initiatives already in place to make sure that survivors receive the support and guidance they need to help them through the difficult process they often face alone. Before going into further amendments made at the committee stage, I will take a moment to discuss the existing supports that are available through the Canadian Armed Forces' programs and illustrate how Bill C-11 is yet another piece of the puzzle in supporting victims and survivors. The Canadian Armed Forces sexual misconduct support and resource centre is a key tool for victims and survivors. Within this centre is the community support for sexual misconduct survivors grant program.”
“When the legislation was introduced last fall, before amendments were made at committee, Bill C-11 proposed to transfer all Criminal Code sexual misconduct offences committed in Canada from the military police to the civilian police. This is Justice Arbour's fifth recommendation in action. As Justice Arbour laid it out, the goal is to remove these offences from the jurisdiction of the Canadian Armed Forces, putting the investigations into and the prosecution of offenders in the hands of civilian authorities. Moreover, this recommendation fulfills our promise to victims and survivors that they can have confidence that their cases will continue to be handled fairly and with transparency outside of the military chain of command.”
“Canadians expect us to take culture change in the military seriously. The members of the Canadian Armed Forces expect us to take culture change seriously too. I will take some time to go through the changes that Bill C-11 aims to implement from Justice Arbour's work. In 2022, Justice Arbour submitted her final report on sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces to the Minister of National Defence. This report, known as the report of the independent comprehensive external review, or the ICER, contains 48 recommendations focused on reforming the institutional shortcomings and structural barriers that have allowed the problem of sexual misconduct in the CAF to persist.”
“Bill C-11 aims to modernize the military justice system and incorporate the recommendations from two external reports from former Supreme Court justices Louise Arbour and Morris J. Fish. The bill would implement nine recommendations in total, including recommendation five of former Supreme Court Justice Arbour's report and eight recommendations from former Supreme Court Justice Fish's report. At present, the amendments made by members of the opposition during the study of the bill at the Standing Committee on National Defence run counter to the Supreme Court justices' recommendations. I believe all of my colleagues in this House will agree with me that bringing about lasting and meaningful cultural change within the Canadian Armed Forces must be one of our highest priorities, free from politicization and partisanship.”
“Mr. Speaker, today we are debating a piece of legislation that is very important to the military community and the Canadian Armed Forces. I begin by thanking the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families for their service to Canada. As Canada's new government rearms, rebuilds and reinvests in the Canadian Armed Forces, it is critical that we start with our people. Our work to attract, recruit and retain members of the Canadian Armed Forces requires a safe, healthy work environment where our forces can thrive, grow and contribute. The changes proposed in this legislation are essential to the long-term success of the Canadian Armed Forces and the entire defence team, which continue their important mission of defending Canada and Canadians.”
“That person could be the first recipient of the living donor medal that my colleague has conceptualized and now presents to this House. For Jason, and for every Canadian sitting by the phone tonight waiting for a call, every day that we delay is a day that matters. I urge all members to vote in favour of this bill, which truly emanates the Canadian spirit of selflessness.”
“I think about the hundreds of living donors who make the same choice every single year in every province, town and riding, with no fanfare, no recognition and no medal, but we can help. A medal is a small gesture in one sense, but what it represents, the gratitude of a nation and the recognition of something rare and precious in the human spirit, is not small at all. Jason tells me that once his health improves, after the donor and transplant that he prays for make him healthy again, he hopes to return to the hockey rink, to the pickleball court and to walking those dogs with his wife, and to get back to his work. The person who can make that happen for Jason is out there. That person could be watching this speech.”
“He has done so with patience, with persistence and with a generosity of spirit that is characteristic of his approach to public life. He has noted on the record that he believes in working across party lines whenever possible and that when we work together, we get more done for Canadians. This bill is a testament to that belief. It has received support from multiple parties in this chamber, because the cause of saving lives does not belong to any one political tradition. I think about my colleague across the aisle, who walked into that hospital in 2003 and gave a part of himself so his son could grow up. I think about the unnamed donors who followed, strangers who could not have known about the member's son but whose families made the decision in a time of grief to give part of their loved one so that others may go on.”
“The living donor recognition medal would be a national honour awarded to Canadians who donate an organ to a fellow Canadian while still living. If the bill passes, Canada would become only the second country in the world to formally include living donors in its national honours system. That is something to be proud of. That is a nation-building issue in the truest sense. A medal tells a story. It changes a culture. It makes living donation visible in a way that has not yet been seen. It says to every Canadian, “This is something extraordinary people do. This is something you can do. You can be extraordinary through selflessly sharing a vital part of yourself with someone who needs it direly.” The bill generates conversation simply by existing. I also want to commend the member for Edmonton Manning for the way he has pursued this work.”
“It is in the decision that an ordinary Canadian makes, after learning about living donation, to ask, “Could I be someone's second chance? Maybe I am someone's only chance.” That is exactly why recognition matters. It is why this medal matters. Canada has a long and proud tradition of using national honours to signal to citizens what we value as a society. We give medals for bravery. We give medals for service. We give medals for artistic achievement and athletic excellence, but until now, we have had no formal recognition for someone who undergoes surgery voluntarily, at personal risk, with no expectation of compensation, to give another human being the organ they need to survive. Bill C-234 would change that.”
“While Canada's provinces run our organ donation system, there is a role for federal government as well. From 2018 to 2024, Health Canada and its partners led and successfully completed the Organ Donation and Transplantation Collaborative, with implementation of the pan-Canadian governance body for organ donation and transplantation. This initiative continues to make improvements to system performance for better patient outcomes. The member for Edmonton Manning said it plainly in his sponsor speech: Most of the people on wait-lists today could be saved by a living donor. That is a profound statement. It means that the answer is not only in our hospitals; it is in our communities, our neighbourhoods, our families and our co-workers.”
“(1835) There may be those of us who would contemplate becoming a living donor, recognizing that undertaking this act of altruism reduces the wait time for patients in need of a life-saving organ, like a kidney, partial liver or partial lung, but we may be apprehensive about the process, the financial burden through time off work or very practical things. For example, by agreeing to become a living organ donor, donors travel to and from a transplant hospital for a variety of tests and surgery, which may result in financial loss. However, some provinces offer a living organ donor expense reimbursement program, which reimburses some out-of-pocket expenses and makes it possible to be a living donor even when living far away from the recipient. The program is designed to remove financial barriers and increase the number of potential donors.”
“Living donation, where an individual can donate a kidney, part of a liver or part of a lung while they are still very much alive, has the potential to close the gap significantly. The ability of a healthy body to regenerate its liver, function fully with a single kidney or short a portion of a lung is nothing short of miraculous. However, to think that so few people seriously consider giving this life-giving gift is tragic. In the case of a liver donor, after they donate a portion of their liver, the remaining liver regenerates, grows back to nearly its original size and performs its usual functions.”
“They did so because Logan told them that he was registering as an organ donor and that he was inspired by his coach and mentor, Ric Suggitt, who had died the previous year and was also an organ donor, saving six lives. We are currently in the midst of National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, which honours Canadians who have chosen to donate life-saving organs and tissue and recognizes transplant recipients embracing their second chance at life. By observing Organ Donation Awareness Month in April, communities nationwide come together to celebrate the generosity of donors and encourage more people to make the life-saving decision to register. In Canada, almost 90% of Canadians say they support organ donation, but only 32% have actually registered the intent to donate.”
“Through them, I have learned that the question of whether Canada should do more to honour living donors is not an abstract policy question. It is a moral one. This bill answers that question with a clear and resolute response. Let us look at what the data tell us. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, as of December 31, 2024, there were 4,044 Canadians on transplant wait-lists. Of the 691 Canadians removed from the transplant wait-list in 2024, nearly one-third had died while waiting. Just a few weeks ago, on April 7, we observed Green Shirt Day in honour of Logan Boulet, the Humboldt Bronco who tragically lost his life in that terrible bus crash in 2018, but his parents donated his organs so that six lives could live on.”
“Lorne was fortunate to receive a full liver transplant from a deceased donor over 20 years ago. Lorne is a proud advocate of organ donation, since the gift of his donor saved his life and kept him here and healthy to raise his two daughters, as well as continue to serve his community through his professional work and volunteerism. In short, the donor gave not only to Lorne but also to our entire community. I told Lorne about my constituent Jason. It brought Lorne back to that time of uncertainty that, thanks to his donor, became a time of indescribable gratitude. Just last October, Jason was placed on the liver transplant list. He is searching for a living donor who can give him the gift of time, of more mornings, of more seasons and of more years with the people he loves. I have spoken with Jason. I have sat with his family.”
“He is a pipe welder. He loves hockey and pickleball, but he has not been able to play for a while. Despite no known health issues and living a healthy lifestyle, Jason was first diagnosed with a fatty liver about 10 years ago. It progressively worsened year after year. When he developed cirrhosis of the liver some four years ago, it was verified from blood work that he had PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis. PSC is an infection that attacks the inner and outer liver bile ducts, causing a blockage of bile to form inside the liver. With each occurrence, this weakens the liver, leading to severe liver damage. When Jason told me about his PSC, I was struck by a rare coincidence, as my good friend and colleague, and long-time lawyer in my hometown of Milton, Ontario, Lorne Greenwood, also suffered from this rare condition.”
“I thank my colleague for his advocacy of this bill. In 2003, the member for Edmonton Manning entered an operating room and gave part of his own liver so that his son could live. It is not a small thing. It is an act of extraordinary courage, of a father who looked at the risk of his own life and decided without hesitation that his son's life would come first. Thanks to that gift, in part, and subsequent transplants, his son is alive today. That is what living donation looks like. That is who this medal would be for. I want to speak today not only in support of the bill in abstract but also on behalf of a constituent in my riding whose story reminds me every day why legislation like this matters. My constituent's name is Jason. Jason is 54 years old and lives in Georgetown with his loving wife Angela and their three rambunctious dogs.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Bill C-234 , the living donor recognition medal act, and I am so honoured to do so at its third reading here in the chamber before it moves to the Senate and, hopefully, soon becomes law in this land. It is with great honour that I stand here today to speak to an issue that continues to impact Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Across boundaries, cities, provinces and parties, Canadians know the importance of helping each other. I want to begin by acknowledging the member for Edmonton Manning . This bill is not a political exercise for my colleague; it is personal. It is the legislative expression of a father's love, a family's faith and many years of walking hospital hallways and learning first-hand what it means to wait for the call that may or may not come.”
“Mr. Speaker, any time we talk about making elections changes, there are folks who express concern that it might restrict their ability to participate fully in our democracy. Can the member comment on the safeguards present in this proposed legislation that would ensure we are striking the right balance between protecting our democracy and making sure it is fully accessible?”
“I encourage all Canadians to learn more, have conversations with loved ones and register as organ and tissue donors. Together, we can give hope and the gift of life to those who need it most.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Green Shirt Day, which was last week, as well as National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week and Ontario's Be a Donor Month, a time when Canadians come together to honour donors, their families and the gift of life that organ and tissue donation makes possible. Throughout Canada, thousands of people are waiting for a transplant that could dramatically improve or even save their lives. Registering as a donor is one of the most powerful acts of generosity a person can make. A member of our community in Georgetown is currently waiting for a life-saving living liver donor. I met with Jason McArthur and his wife Angela to learn more about living donors and the gift of life those donors give to people like Jason when they choose to share a part of themselves.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot in the media about terribly long ballots, and about deepfakes impersonating people in politics. I would like my hon. colleague to comment on the negative impact that has on voter confidence in our democracy, and also the dangers we face if those malicious and nefarious behaviours remain unchecked by legislation.”
“[ Translation ] Together, we will continue to strengthen this relationship for the benefit of our fellow citizens and future generations.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to welcome the Swiss delegation and the President of the National Council of the Swiss Confederation to Canada this week. [ English ] Canada and Switzerland are bound not only by friendship but by a shared commitment to democracy, innovation and the rule of law. [ Translation ] For decades, our two countries have been working closely together to promote peace, prosperity and international co-operation. [ English ] At a time of global uncertainty, partnerships like ours matter more than ever. They remind us that progress is built through dialogue, trust and common purpose. As chair of the Canada-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group, I am proud to highlight this visit and celebrate the enduring ties between our two nations.”
“When an individual completes a sentence and is released, the most critical question is whether they return as a person who is equipped to contribute to society or as someone who will become a repeat offender. Since most incarcerated individuals will eventually be released, if we only focus on punishment without addressing what led to the behaviour, such as addiction, lack of education or mental health struggles, we are effectively choosing to put public safety at risk. For all of these reasons, I urge my fellow hon. members to oppose—”
“This bill would undermine public safety and be a step backward in correctional policy. It also raises serious legal and practical concerns that we cannot ignore. Bill C-232 is a misguided approach that ignores the evidence of what works to keep Canadians safe. It threatens the safety of our institutions and communities, and it would undermine the very principles of justice that our correctional system is built upon. We must continue to support policies that are evidence-based, that respect the rule of law and that focus on the safe and successful reintegration of offenders into society. Rehabilitation is not a gesture of leniency. It is a fundamental pillar of public safety.”
“The indigenous community corrections initiative was created in that spirit to provide culturally relevant services to healing, alternatives to incarceration and rehabilitation to indigenous offenders. We must continue taking steps to address the systemic issues within our justice system, and we cannot support a bill that would deepen these inequalities. Finally, while private members' bills do not typically include funding attachments, Bill C-232 would have significant, unavoidable financial impacts. Mandating certain security classifications for specific offenders would necessitate long-term infrastructure costs, as existing facilities would need expansion or modification to accommodate the resulting population shifts. The government's position on Bill C-232 is clear.”
“That is why we continue to make major investments to address gaps in services to indigenous people and their overrepresentation throughout the criminal justice system. I will state that the federal framework to reduce recidivism, launched in June 2022, was an important step by the Government of Canada. It is a plan that identifies crucial factors that impact why people reoffend and how to support safe and successful reintegration into the community. (1825) Public Safety Canada and its portfolio organizations continue to support whole-of-government efforts to align legislation, programs, policies and initiatives with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”