Sandra Cobena
Newmarket—Aurora, Ontario · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, 100 years is a century of memories, service and stories. In Newmarket—Aurora, we are preparing to celebrate a very special milestone as our friend and local Second World War veteran Mr. Jeffrey Reynolds turns 100 years old on June 29.”
“Turning 100 years old is an extraordinary achievement, but it also carries even greater meaning when that life was dedicated to serving others before it had fully begun. I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Jeffrey Reynolds a very happy 100th birthday.”
“They felt that they were the passengers, because the government was driving them into incredible amounts of debt that they would eventually inherit.”
“I heard from a small business owner on Davis Drive who is watching her customer base shrink because people simply do not have money left over at the end of the month. I heard from a senior on a fixed income who never thought he would have to choose between his bills and groceries.”
“However, the government members stand here and ask Canadians to trust them with the national finances, with a 1% chance of keeping their own promises. Let us not forget they revised this fiscal anchor after they already failed to meet their last one. I should mention I am splitting my time.”
“Even Mexico, which also shares a border with the U.S. and has been significantly impacted by tariffs, has managed to steer clear of a recession. When we are the only country in the world's 20 largest economies to be in a recession, that is a local policy problem.”
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“That is not right. The stand on guard act would strengthen Canada's self-defence laws. It would create a clear presumption that when someone knowingly and unlawfully enters a home, the force used based on what a person believes at that moment to be reasonably necessary to defend themselves and their family is considered reasonable, unless the facts show otherwise, because their home should be their safe place, not the place where the law turns against them for protecting the people they love. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“Bill C-270. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-270, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (defence of person) . She said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to introduce the stand on guard act, my very first bill in the House. Our homes are supposed to be the one place where we can rest and feel safe, but across Canada, home invasions are rising, and too many families are living with fear inside their own homes. We have all walked through the house at night checking the doors, listening for a creak in the hallway, but for too many Canadians, that fear becomes real when intruders break into their homes. When homeowners defend themselves and their families, they can end up being treated like criminals, taken away by police and forced into costly legal battles just to prove they acted in self-defence.”
“Mr. Speaker, with all due respect to the member, during all my studies and over 15 years working in finance, there is one basic economic truth that always held. When costs go up, prices go up and when competition is fierce, prices come down, yet during this food affordability crisis, the Liberals are inhibiting competition all while piling taxes and regulations on those who grow, ship and sell our food. When will the Prime Minister finally apply this basic economic fundamental and cut taxes and regulations so Canadians can get real relief in the grocery aisle?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have had countless seniors in Newmarket—Aurora come up and tell me that they have had to leave retirement and find jobs because they are struggling to eat, heat and afford a roof over their heads. This reality is backed up by data. A new survey from the National Institute on Ageing revealed that one in five Canadians over the age of 50 are living near the poverty line and cannot even cover a $500 emergency. When will the Prime Minister stop punishing seniors and scrap the inflationary Liberal taxes that are making life so unaffordable?”
“Mr. Chair, the people of Iran have been very clear. They have been waiting for 47 years. The reality is that many lives have been lost. Iranian people today want to know that those lives, those sacrifices, were worth it. Right now, they believe that it is their only chance.”
“Mr. Chair, the stories I have heard over the last few months are countless. There are stories of hope and heartache. There is a deep desire for life and liberty, and for economic stability. There are stories, also, about the history of Iran and what Iranians have contributed for over two millennia. It is their desire, their dream, to continue the work in leading their contributions in governance, culture, science, literature and trade. It is their wish that they can live in a country that has safety, liberty, freedom and that they can lead in all these academic areas as well.”
“Mr. Chair, the future of Iran and the future Iranian government is up to the Iranian people. I think the Iranian diaspora here has been very clear in their cautious optimism for what this opportunity has created. There have been family members who have died with the hope of an opportunity to have a new government, a new life. That moment has come, and they are cautiously excited about it, but it would be up to the Iranian people to democratically elect their new government.”
“We hope sincerely and deeply that out of this moment, something better will emerge: a future where the people of Iran can live with freedom, where women can live with dignity and where a proud civilization, one that has contributed so much to human history, can flourish once again under the values of liberty and opportunity. This wish is one shared by many people in my riding and many other Canadians, and today I want to give it a voice.”
“We know that they are worried for their families. We know that they carry both hope and fear at the same time. Canada cannot control the actions of other nations or the course of events far beyond our borders, but we can be a voice that says we believe that every person is born with inherent rights to life, to liberty and to safety. The method of the Iranian regime is not constrained by borders. It operates in our home as well. To this day, an estimated 700 IRGC operatives are operating here in Canada, intimidating Canadians on Canadian soil, and this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with Iranians here in Canada, and our prayers are with their families.”
“They said that, yes, it is painful to hear of the bombings near their families, but they believe this may be their only chance to break free from a regime that has oppressed their people, their families and especially their women for generations. That perspective struck me because here in Canada we often discuss these issues in terms of diplomacy, international law and geopolitics. Yes, those discussions are important, but for many people in my community, this is personal. It is about their parents, brothers, sisters, cousins and childhood neighbourhoods. It is about their language, their culture and their history. They carry the unfathomable weight of all of that while watching events unfold from afar. Today, I simply want to be a voice for those members of our community, a voice that says we know this moment is painful.”
“I said to them that many of us see the headlines, the stories of bombings, sunken ships, schools, and soldiers dying. I asked how they see this moment and what it means for them and their families. Their answer struck me. They said they have lived under this oppression for 47 years and know that this will be their last chance in a generation. With tears in their eyes, they talked of the cautious optimism of what this means to them. They spoke about the many protests over the years. They spoke about the young people who marched for freedom. They spoke about the women who stood up to demand dignity and opportunity. Many of those protesters paid with their life. Just a month ago, more lives were lost as people once again took to the streets in hope of a different future. They told me something that was both heartbreaking and powerful.”
“Mr. Chair, I will be splitting my time with the member for Richmond Hill South . This past weekend, I held an open house in my riding of Newmarket—Aurora. It was a chance for neighbours to come by, share a cup of coffee and talk about issues affecting their families and what is happening around the world. Among those who came were many members of the Persian diaspora, my neighbours, people who have called our community home for years. They are entrepreneurs, parents, students and neighbours. They contribute so much to the life of our community. However, this weekend they came with cautious optimism and heavy hearts. They spoke about the war unfolding in Iran and the uncertainty, the fear and the anguish of watching events unfold from thousands of kilometres away while their families and friends remain there.”
“Mr. Chair, I held an open house this weekend in my riding, which has a large Iranian community. Its members know there are about 700 IRGC operatives in Canada. One of the things attendees asked me was to explain why the Liberal government is not doing anything about expelling them and is allowing them to operate here and to intimidate Canadians. I would love to hear my colleague's thoughts on that.”
“Madam Chair, I would like to thank my colleague for her strong convictions. I would be interested to hear her thoughts on the consequences and damage of having the Prime Minister , the leader of this country, change positions so many times. What does that say not only to Canadians and to the Iranian diaspora here, but also to the rest of the world?”
“Mr. Speaker, the finance minister should know better. Those huge generational deficits are what is driving inflation up in this country. Going back to the cost of food, which was my initial question, they have also failed to drive competition. Instead of keeping these countless taxes on the building blocks of our food supply, they should address them. The reality is that Canada is falling behind, not because of global forces but because of their choices. Will the Prime Minister finally take responsibility and remove these policies, which are driving up the cost of food for every Canadian?”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada has the worst food inflation and the only shrinking economy in the G7, and it is no wonder. The Liberals' increasing fuel standard is already costing Canadians seven cents per litre today, and it will rise to 17¢ per litre by 2030, hitting the farmers, fishermen and truckers who put food on our tables. These costs are entirely made in Ottawa by the Liberal government. If the Prime Minister is so focused on what we can control, then why does he not stop pointing fingers and scrap the taxes that are making life so unaffordable for Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, I would have loved a bit more time with this bill. It is a huge bill, not only in the number of pages but as an omnibus bill. The Henry VIII provision, in fact, should have been a stand-alone bill and taken out. However, we have ultimately tried to compromise and to continue to provide safeguards while fostering innovation. It is important for Canada, but most certainly not at the cost of a concentration of power and potential abuse.”
“Mr. Speaker, to address the member's comments at the beginning, I wholeheartedly agree that a strong opposition makes Canada overall stronger. That is what we are here to do. We are here to strengthen bills, provide amendments, improve ideas, work together and represent our constituents. The day that we stop representing our constituents, we do not belong in the House. My speech focused on the amendments that we put forward to this particular provision that would have concentrated power, immense power, among cabinet ministers. We provided a balanced approach in our amendments.”
“Mr. Speaker, I take particular pride in Bill C-15 , particularly in the amendments we put forward. This is an example of how we can work together and of how working together will, in fact, make the bill stronger. This is critical as we fight for stronger take-home pay for Canadians, as we work together for a sovereign Canada and as we focus on several issues that are critical for Canadians today, including crime and affordability.”
“I thank every single Canadian who signed my petition and who wrote articles, letters, emails and messages. Their advocacy has won today.”
“While I would have preferred to remove this provision altogether and have it studied fully to carefully define the limits of any regulatory sandbox and the procedures governing it, I believe the amended language represents a balanced and responsible path forward. It meets the urgency of the moment while preserving the accountability, transparency and democratic standards Canadians expect. Canadians expect us to move forward, and they expect us to work constructively at a moment when economic pressures and global competition demand focus and resolve. I look at this moment not as a moment of division, but as a moment of responsibility. I want to reassure Canadians that, every step of the way, Conservatives will continue on a disciplined path to hold the government accountable and negotiate changes that are good for Canadians.”
“Fifth is a full report to Parliament within 90 days, explaining the rationale and assessing whether permanent legislative change is warranted so that we can continue to foster innovation. Sixth is a requirement that ministers appear before committee when requested to explain the sandbox. Seventh is clear limits on what can never be exempted, including foundational statutes such as the Access to Information Act, Auditor General Act, Canada Elections Act, Conflict of Interest Act, Financial Administration Act, Privacy Act, Investment Canada Act and other core accountability, safety and national interest laws.”
“The passed amendments seek to strike a balance between innovation and democratic safeguards. It would preserve the ability to create sandboxes that support innovation, particularly in the clean tech and financial technology sectors, while ensuring that such flexibility operates within clear democratic limits. Specifically, the amendments introduced seven key protections. First is a new, mandatory, 30-day public consultation prior to an exemption being granted. Second is equal rules that apply to all participants within a sector, not only hand-picked companies. Third is dual approval by both a cabinet minister and the President of the Treasury Board. Fourth is mandatory publication of orders within 30 days.”
“(1710) This is also a powerful reminder of something essential in a parliamentary democracy: the importance of a strong opposition, an opposition that asks questions, examines power carefully and ensures democratic safeguards remain in place. While it is disappointing to hear my Liberal colleagues describe this negotiation as “obstruction”, this is how a true democratic system is to work. I will now remind colleagues and Canadians what the core issue was and what has changed. The amendments were on what I describe as the “powers of a king” provision. As originally written, the provision granted individual cabinet ministers the extraordinary power to exempt hand-picked individuals or entities from almost any federal law, with the sole exception of the Criminal Code. This is an immense concentration of power.”
“When this came to light, the government said the provision was introduced in good faith, an accidental power grab of immense proportions, but what is clear is that the provision was not drafted with the safeguards that Canadians expect so concerns were raised. Several cabinet ministers struggled to justify it. Heated debate followed. Public pressure escalated. Ultimately, meaningful changes were negotiated and secured by the Conservatives. Canadians can look at this moment with pride. Political parties rose above their differences. A fundamental issue was recognized, and while I would have preferred to remove these provisions, concerns were addressed. As a result, I have received personal notes from supporters from all political parties saying that they appreciate the amendments.”
“I believe Canadians can take real pride in what has happened with Bill C-15 . Members of the opposition, civil liberties organizations, environmental groups, journalists and engaged Canadians across the country raised serious concerns about a provision that would have granted extraordinary authority to individual cabinet ministers, what I describe as the powers of a king. As originally drafted, the provision would have allowed individual cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister to exempt hand-picked individuals or entities from more than 150 years of Canadian federal law, quietly and behind closed doors. This was an immense concentration of power in the hands of individual cabinet ministers.”
“The Prime Minister 's Office exercises immense influence over cabinet, its chief of staff, the political party of the government, Crown corporations, appointments to the Senate and the judiciary, the senior public service, major projects and regulatory sandboxes for innovation in financial technology and environmental technology. The government has the capacity to make radical and meaningful changes to address productivity, competitiveness and economic growth. As Conservatives, we do not always agree with the approach being taken, but we stand loyal to Canadians by supporting legislation that is good for our country and opposing that which is bad. The message Canadians have sent clearly and strongly is that something needs to get done. They expect us to work together to move forward in the best possible way.”
“However, I warn the government that this is extremely risky given that persistent deficits can lead to inflation. They have been told that regulatory reform is necessary to unlock productivity. While I agree, this must never come with the huge price tag of less accountability and transparency. Now, through Bill C-15 , we are creating regulatory sandboxes intended to accelerate innovation, particularly in environmental technology and financial technology. Taken together, these are significant levers of economic transformation, and we must remember the institutional reality in which these decisions are made. Canada already has one of the most centralized executive systems in the democratic world.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are here today to discuss Bill C-15 at a critical time in Canada's history. When I knock on doors in my community in Newmarket—Aurora, Canadians are very clear about what they want. They want action. They want results. They know that the government has enough power to make big changes. They are watching and waiting in anticipation. They expect progress, but sadly they are still anxiously waiting to see it. We have already passed Bill C-5 , the major projects legislation. Canadians expect to see fundamental changes in how quickly projects are approved and built. They are watching to see whether the government can finally move at the speed required to compete globally. They are also watching the broader economic picture. They have been told that deficits must rise in order to invest in growth.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians are tired of political talking points. The Liberals must have the humility to face the reality. Young Canadians are not falling behind by accident. They are being pushed behind by Liberal policies, and they are not asking for programs. Talk to a millennial. They are asking the Liberals to get out of the way today. TransUnion Canada reported that household debt reached $2.6 trillion by the end of 2025. Families are living paycheque to paycheque, just to keep a roof over their heads. When will the Liberal government realize it cannot spend its way to affordability and finally focus on bringing down the—”
“Mr. Speaker, millennials were told that, if we worked hard, played by the rules and planned for the future, we could build a stable life here in Canada, but a recent RBC poll shows that 57% have nothing left after paying their monthly bills and 4 in 10 believe that they may never be debt-free. After years of soaring housing costs, persistent inflation and higher taxes, my generation is carrying record personal debt while also being handed the Liberal government's debt to pay for. When will the Liberals stop loading debt onto our generation so young Canadians can build a life, and not just—”
“The petitioners, therefore, call on the Government of Canada to remove or significantly limit these sweeping powers to ensure proper parliamentary oversight to guarantee that no authority is placed above the law. I am honoured to present these petitions on their behalf.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table petitions from Canadians who are deeply concerned by the sweeping powers contained within Bill C-15 . The petitioners warn that this provision would allow ministers to exempt any individual or corporation from any federal law, except for the Criminal Code, without full public or parliamentary scrutiny. They believe it undermines the foundational principle of our democracy, which is that laws are made, amended and set aside by Parliament, not by unilateral executive decision. These Canadians support innovation and economic growth, but they are clear that flexibility must never come at the expense of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
“Mr. Speaker, consumer bankruptcies are up, to the highest level since the financial crisis. That means 141,000 Canadians are losing their homes, their savings and their sense of security. Clearly the Liberals' band-aid programs are not enough to prevent bankruptcies. Canadians need long-term solutions that bring down the cost of food and housing. When will the Liberal government stop the inflationary deficits, scrap the taxes and remove the bureaucratic roadblocks that are making life so unaffordable?”
“Mr. Speaker, for over four decades, the people of Iran have lived under a regime that promised hope but delivered repression, corruption and violence. Like a lion long restrained but never broken, the children of Cyrus the Great are rising once again. This is not simply because of economic collapse but because a people can be pushed only so far before they demand their freedom. The regime answered that cry by shutting down the Internet and tearing families apart by mass arrests. Credible reports tell us that tens of thousands of people have been killed. This is how tyranny survives: by silencing the truth and ruling through terror. That is why I proudly support e-petition 7153, initiated by my constituent Reza Sadjadi. Canada must stand with Iranians who are risking everything for their freedom.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for the member, but I was deeply disappointed to hear the opening of his speech where he said that he disagrees with everything that the Conservatives are proposing. Does he disagree with increasing competition in grocery chains? Every first-year economics student learns that when markets have more competition, it drives prices down, it disciplines profits and it improves efficiency. Monopolies and oligopolies do exactly the opposite. They keep prices artificially high. Does the member disagree with the Conservative proposal to increase competition in grocery chains, or does he disagree with the laws of supply, demand and efficient markets?”
“Mr. Speaker, I inevitably think of this one mother, a single mother of three, I met in Newmarket. She is a mother of three boys. When I knocked on the door, she was very reluctant to open the door, and I later understood why. She is struggling to pay her rent. When I introduced myself after she opened the door, she burst into tears and told me she cannot keep up with the rent and that she does not know what she is going to feed her boys next week. That is the reality that Canadians are living through, particularly mothers. This is a serious problem that deserves urgent solutions.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's suggestion. In speaking to my neighbours in Newmarket—Aurora, any sort of relief would be helpful at this moment. Monthly relief would also be helpful to them, but I do want to reiterate that Canadians have been asking for serious long-term solutions to the root of the problem that is driving up the cost of food disproportionately compared to other G7 countries. When we refer to other countries, we know that this is a Canadian homegrown problem, and it is because of the overtaxation and lack of competition.”
“Mr. Speaker, I know my colleague's riding well. I used to cover it when I was in the financial sector. As I mentioned in my speech, Canadians have been pushed beyond their limits. They are doing everything they can to make ends meet, and they are exhausted. On that basis, every little bit helps. This $10 a week will provide some sort of relief, but the reality is that we need to address the root of the problem. This rebate idea was presented and offered, in 2022 to be exact, and it did not solve the problem. The Minister of Finance , then minister of industry, said he was watching the prices of groceries, but it did not solve the problem. We need to address the root cause of the problem, which is over-taxation, lack of grocery chain competition and massive inflationary deficits.”
“That responsibility should push us all toward policies that are lasting, and Conservatives have been putting forward those solutions. We need to end this homegrown affordability crisis with solutions for the future.”
“A mother stood at her doorstep and broke down in tears as she explained the impossible choices she is making because her dollars do not buy as much as they used to. She was not asking for sympathy; she was asking for solutions. As a mother myself, I feel this deeply. Her story is not unique. I hear it through emails and surveys and at community events. Canadians are working hard, but they still feel like they are falling behind. In my first speech in the House, I said, “inflation is the slow undoing of a family's dignity”. When fiscal discipline disappears, the consequences are not rhetorical. They show up at the grocery store. They show up when the rent is due. They show up when families decide which bill can wait. (1650) The choices we make here shape the daily lives of Canadians.”
“It is, in fact, the worst food inflation in the G7. This year, it will cost about $17,600 to feed a family, and that is up $1,000 just from last year. According to the MNP Consumer Price Index, 71% of Canadians expect the cost of living to get worse and 41% say they are “$200 or less away from...insolvency”. These are kitchen table realities. Here is another reality that hits me deeply as a mother: One-third of food bank visitors are children. This should stop every single one of us in our tracks. We need to appreciate the urgency, but also bring forward long-term solutions. I spend a lot of time chatting with my neighbours in Newmarket—Aurora to learn what is important to them. There is one conversation that stuck with me.”
“Parliamentarians have not been told how this will be paid for and neither have Canadians. This matters because borrowing to fund rebates does not lower the cost of food; it fuels the very inflation that is crushing families. To be clear, this very credit was offered in 2022, and it was meant to solve deeper issues of affordability, but we still have the problem. The idea did not work, yet the government is choosing to recycle it. The people of Newmarket—Aurora elected me to advocate for fiscal responsibility and for policies that actually reduce costs. What I hear is not a demand for endless temporary programs. I hear a call for stability, predictability and lasting affordability. Here are the facts: Food inflation in Canada has reached 6.2%. This is double that of our neighbour, and it is higher than it is in France, Italy and Germany.”
“Not a single Canadian has told me they are overjoyed when they visit the grocery store. In Newmarket—Aurora, I hear constantly about the cost of groceries. I hear from parents, seniors and young families. They tell me grocery bills have become the most unpredictable expense in their household. Some are using credit cards to cover the cost of food, as they are being pushed to their limits. Yes, an increased groceries and essentials benefit would provide some relief. To be specific, it would be $10 a week in relief, but Canadians also deserve transparency. This rebate was not included in the government's budget. It was not included in the $78-billion deficit presented in November. It will cost $12.4 billion over five years and nearly $1.4 billion in interest charges over five years.”
“When the government doubles down on its inflationary deficits, the value of our money declines, and everything we buy is more expensive. Families across this country are doing everything they can to keep up. They are exhausted. Too many are watching their paycheques fall further behind the cost of everyday life. Many of my constituents have told me plainly that every bit helps, and I respect that, but they have also told me that they do not want to live at the mercy of government handouts. They want to be able to have the dignity to provide for themselves, for their children and for their families. We need to take decisive action to fix this problem for the future. (1645) Today, countless times, I heard several members of the Liberal government stand up in this very House to say that Canadians are overjoyed.”
“Food inflation in Canada is disproportionately higher than in countries around the world. In fact, it is the worst in the G7. When we pile taxes on farmers, food processors and truckers, the very people who make sure that food shows up on our table, those costs do not disappear; they get passed on to Canadians at the checkout. When grocery stores do not face competition, prices go up and profits soar. The now Minister of Finance stated, in 2023: I will continue to keep a close eye on Canada’s largest grocery chains, the food processors and other industry actors to make sure that the price of food in Canada will be stabilized. It’s just the beginning! He was keeping an eye on them, so it is under his watch and the Liberal government's watch that prices have continued to soar.”
“After months of advocacy, the government has finally acknowledged what Canadians have been telling us all along, that food insecurity in this country is real, is growing and is serious. Given the magnitude of the food affordability crisis, I support this temporary groceries and essentials benefit to lift families who are struggling, and because this infusion was asked for by Food Banks Canada. That said, when Canadians are facing historic cost of living pressures, we have a responsibility to focus on solutions that do not just offer relief today but actually make life more affordable tomorrow. Conservatives have been putting forward those solutions: Scrap the taxes that increase the cost of food, boost competition in grocery chains and reverse the massive inflationary deficits. Canada has created a homegrown affordability crisis.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry . It is a privilege to rise in the House and once again represent my neighbours in Newmarket—Aurora. Today I am speaking to Bill C-19 , the Canada groceries and essentials benefit act, but before I go any further, I want to take the opportunity to thank the Newmarket Food Pantry, the Aurora Food Pantry and the countless volunteers and community organizations who work every day to make sure that the most vulnerable in our community have food on their tables. I have visited them. I have seen the shop floors and heard the stories. They are struggling to keep up with the demand. Every month that goes by is a record month. Our community is incredibly generous, but generosity is not enough.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is the same Liberal government that campaigned on building at speeds not seen in generations, but in the last year, home sales are down 45% in the GTA. The Canadian Home Builders' Association warns that allowing these conditions to continue will create a lost decade for home ownership. The longer the government delays, the more businesses will close and the more Canadians will lose their jobs. Canadians were promised a path to owning a home and they are still waiting. When will the Liberals get their bureaucracies out of the way so Canadians can afford a home?”
“Mr. Speaker, in my community, police officers, firefighters, paramedics and nurses cannot afford to buy homes in the communities they serve. Eighty-seven per cent of Canadians are now worried about the housing market, and 86% of builders say they might not survive the next 12 months. In the middle of a housing crisis, homebuilding should be accelerating. Instead, home sales are down 45% in the GTA. When will the Liberal government finally cut bureaucracy, speed up approvals and get homes built so that Canadians can afford a home?”