Sima Acan
Oakville West, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Madam Speaker, my colleague mentioned that we have not consulted with the Privacy Commissioner. I want to mention that this is the wrong information, and I believe that my colleague was misinformed before her speech. The Privacy Commissioner said at the committee, “I would not say that we were not consulted in this instance.”
“Madam Speaker, I enjoy working with my colleague at committee, as well as with my colleague from Oshawa , who also expressed concern about not having enough time to ask questions at committee. With respect, every member of the committee has the same time allocated.”
“However, we heard 10 hours of witness testimonies, plus three hours with the officials. We had over 40 briefs and lots of witnesses on that study. Filibustering, unfortunately, is not allowing us to move on the amendments. The amendments are on the table.”
“Mr. Speaker, with a background in public safety projects, I recognize that cyber-threats pose a growing risk to Canadians, and our government is confronting this challenge head-on. Last week, Bill C-8 , the act respecting cybersecurity, passed third reading in the Senate and is now awaiting royal assent.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today at third reading of Bill S‑228 , an act to amend the Criminal Code. At the outset, I would like to thank the sponsor of the legislation in the Senate, the Hon. Senator Yvonne Boyer, for her leadership, dedication and tireless advocacy on this issue.”
“Respect for free and informed consent is another of those principles, as is the dignity of every person. Bill S-228 reflects those values. I also want to acknowledge the many organizations, advocates, academics, medical professionals and community leaders who have contributed to this conversation.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his comprehensive speech and particularly for focusing on Canada's essential role in navigating global challenges and securing our economic independence. He highlighted the critical importance of growing and diversifying Canada's trade to build resilience, especially given the rapid reshaping of the global trading system. The core fiscal strategy of the budget is to spend less so we can invest more. Could my hon. colleague please elaborate on how this commitment to fiscal discipline and strategic investment has enabled the government to launch such ambitious nation-building initiatives and strengthen Canada's sovereignty from coast to coast to coast?”
“Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 clearly states that Canada possesses the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the entire G7, maintaining a strong AAA credit rating. Furthermore, the government's fiscal plan aims to achieve a crucial anchor: balancing day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2028-29. When the government successfully achieves its stated goal by 2028-29, the deficit will entirely support investments that grow the economy. These investments are designed to grow to $1 trillion in total investments over five years. Why did the Conservatives vote against the budget that supports what I just talked about?”
“Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives promise cuts, our government is making the investments needed to keep Canada's health system strong, including in communities like mine in Oakville West, where building up our health infrastructure is essential to meet the needs of our growing and aging population. Can the parliamentary secretary tell the House what the government is doing to make sure Canadians can access the health care they deserve?”
“I thank them for their exceptional contributions to help build the foundations children need to make the best start possible in life.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional teachers receiving the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence in my beautiful riding of Oakville West. This award celebrates the achievements of educators who go above and beyond. These are leaders in the classrooms, mentors and coaches who support our children throughout their journey and who take the extra step and exceed the curriculum to help students succeed. To date, this award has honoured over 2,300 teachers and is considered Canada's highest honour for teachers teaching in early, primary and secondary education. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Phi Tran and Mr. Vittorio Iafarte, recipients of the regional certificate of teaching excellence, and Mr. Kevin Carter, who has been awarded the regional certificate of teaching excellence in STEM.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a very short comment. The bill has much support. There is tremendous support from the provinces, the territories and lots of municipalities, as well as premiers, ministers from provinces and mayors. Various police associations also show their support for this bill. I would like to thank the Minister of Justice , the Minister of Public Safety , the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime and their teams for working on this bill and spending the entire summer going with us to see all the law enforcement in our ridings. I really want to thank everybody who put this bill together, and I am looking forward to passing it in the shortest amount of time.”
“Atatürk's belief that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the nation deeply resonates here in Canada, where democracy, freedom and diversity define who we are. Long live Turkey, long live Canada and long live our enduring friendship and alliance. Cumhuriyet bayraminiz kutlu olsun .”
“Mr. Speaker, today, as the first Canadian of Turkish heritage elected to Parliament, I am deeply honoured to join students from the Turkish Canadian community, who are right here in the gallery above, as we celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. [ Translation ] This is a very special day for Turkish Canadians. [ English ] October 29 reaffirms our NATO ally's commitment to democracy and national sovereignty. Turkish Canadians honour the legacy of Atatürk, whose vision and determination gave birth to a secular, democratic and contemporary state. His enduring principle of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” reminds us of the importance of stability and co-operation among both nations and the people.”
“Mr. Speaker, the auto sector is being hit hard by unjustified U.S. tariffs. In my riding of Oakville West, Ford's Oakville assembly complex is the backbone of our local economy, employing over 4,000 skilled workers who continue retooling to keep production here at home in these challenging times. Last week, auto workers in Brampton, the GTA and across Canada were racked by the news that Stellantis is moving production of the Jeep Compass to the U.S. to avoid these tariffs. Can the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Industry update the House on how we are fighting for our workers and our auto sector?”
“Mr. Speaker, Bill C-12 , the strengthening Canada's immigration system and borders act, which is before the House today, reflects our government's commitment to protecting Canadians by expanding border security resources, fighting transnational organized crime, stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl and cracking down on illicit financing at the border while supporting our frontline officers and reinforcing the integrity of our immigration system. Could the Minister of Public Safety tell Canadians how this critical legislation enhances our ability to protect Canadians and keep our communities safe?”
“Mr. Speaker, residents in my riding of Oakville West want to see projects in this country built faster. The Prime Minister has made it clear that we have to build homes, build energy infrastructure, build up defence capacity and build Canada's economy so that it is the strongest in the G7, and we are doing it fast. Starting on November 4, the Government of Canada will present its budget in the fall, instead of in the spring. Can the Secretary of State for the CRA and Financial Institutions please inform the House about what that means for construction season and building things in Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to get my colleague's perspective on today's debate. Why does he think some Conservative members are framing this in partisan terms, blaming the Liberals for prorogation of Parliament and delaying Bill C-66 , when they themselves were calling for an election? Given the importance of moving forward with the amended bill, especially improvements that could be done at the committee stage, do you believe we can work together to pass the bill and protect the victims?”
“Mr. Speaker, I am glad that my hon. colleague left us two minutes more to ask questions and that she did not repeat the same points that have been said in the House. I have a quick question for her. How many of Madam Arbour's 48 recommendations have been implemented, and when should we expect all of them to be implemented?”
“Mr. Speaker, since our government has already committed to introducing comprehensive and targeted bail reform, does my colleague agree that it would make more sense for us to work together on that legislation instead of passing a rushed private member's motion, which is a copy of a failed, costly and American-style policy?”
“Mr. Speaker, I did quick research on the crime rate for the member's region, and I see that since 2023, the rates have been coming down, but I want to emphasize that I strongly believe in tougher bail reform. That is why I always say that even one is too many. Therefore I want to ask the member this: If she truly believes in the motion's stated urgency, why would the Conservatives introduce a bill that undercuts their leader 's main crime platform, demonstrating a clear lack of policy consensus in their own party?”
“Mr. Speaker, during the last election, I visited door to door and spoke to lots of constituents in my riding of Oakville West. The major issue that came up on the doorsteps was crime. We are all aware that crime has decreased right now, but to me and my constituents even one is too many. We are working on bail reform. We have spent months on bail reform to make sure we have a very well-studied reform. Could my colleague please tell us why it is important for the Prime Minister to bring in tougher bail reform?”
“Mr. Speaker, when I talk to my community in Oakville West, I hear a great deal of concern for the world around us. For the last 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has brought leaders from all backgrounds into one room to bridge political, social and economic divides. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs was there this past week and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to a more peaceful and prosperous world. Can the minister share with the House how Canada is confronting the challenges our world is facing?”
“Mr. Speaker, in an increasingly uncertain world, Canada must be prepared to protect our people, secure our sovereignty and work with our allies. That is why our government is making historic investments in our armed forces and has committed to reaching NATO's 2% spending target by the end of the fiscal year. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement share with this House how our investments will strengthen Canada's defence industrial base and create good jobs for Canadian workers?”
“Mr. Speaker, as a Halton Region MP, I would like to raise one thing that was brought up in the debate by the member for Abbotsford—South Langley about the Halton Region motion that was tabled yesterday, which also called on the province to take action on crime. In 2017, the member for Ottawa Centre announced a courthouse in our region. It was fully funded on federal land, and after eight years, we do not have the courthouse. I spoke to many experts during the summer. Maplehurst is over its limits, and according to experts, there is less JP training in Ontario than in the other provinces. I would like to ask my colleague if she was aware of those facts.”
“Mr. Speaker, like all colleagues, we were busy this summer, visiting our local law enforcement. I had multiple meetings with the police chief, deputy chief and officers, and one common thing that I heard from them was that they were in favour of the bill. I would like to ask my hon. colleague this: Could he please explain the importance of the bill to all Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives proclaim that they stand for freedom, their careless and reckless approach restricted citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad, stripping countless individuals of their rights and identities as Canadians. As well, under the former section 8 of the Citizenship Act, the Conservatives stripped away the citizenship of those born to the second generation abroad at the age of 28. Not only were these measures deemed unconstitutional by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, but they limited citizenship to those whom the Conservatives deemed worthy. If the Conservatives truly claim to stand for freedom, will they take this opportunity to right their previous wrongs and vote in support of this legislation?”
“These young leaders are the future of our country, and I look forward to sharing with them the important work we do here on behalf of all Canadians. I would like to wish everyone a happy Canada Day.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Oakville's most anticipated community events, the Oakville Family Ribfest, starting today. This annual celebration is made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of Oakville Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar. Through the dedication of exceptional volunteers, Ribfest not only brings the community together but also raises critical funds to support our local charities. I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible people of Oakville. Their generosity and community spirit are what make events like Ribfest so successful year after year. Additionally, tomorrow I will be proud to welcome 70 bright students from Eastview Public School in my riding of Oakville West.”
“I thank the organizers, volunteers, sponsors and especially our veterans and frontline heroes for their service and sacrifice. I wish tight lines to all participating.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 12th Annual Veteran's Salmon Derby taking place on June 14 in Bronte Harbour, Oakville. Since its founding, this incredible event has grown from a local initiative into a cherished tradition, bringing together Canadian Armed Forces veterans, serving and retired; their families; local businesses; and our community. More than just a fishing derby, it is dedicated to the emotional well-being of those who have given so much in service to Canada. It also raises critical funds for Veterans Helping Veterans and the military family resource centre, which are supporting those who stood for Canada and deserve our ongoing support. This year's event will honour not only veterans but also numerous COVID-19 responders, recognizing their dedication during some of Canada's most challenging times.”
“Mr. Chair, I know that the minister's department plays a central role in ensuring that the departments across government are held to a high standard of financial management, and that the expenditures align with both policy goals and responsible stewardship of taxpayers' dollars. With that in mind, I would ask the minister how the 2025-26 main estimates reflect the government's commitment to responsible spending. Could the minister please share some examples of how the department is working to ensure that the funds are being used—”
“With that in mind, and with the understanding that transparency and service delivery are both central to the Treasury Board's role, could you please speak to how the 2025-26 main estimates reflect your ongoing commitment to transparency in government spending and how that commitment is helping to support improvements in frontline service delivery for Canadians? Are there any particular initiatives or approaches you would highlight that illustrate progress in these areas or set the stage for further enhancements?”
“Mr. Chair, I want to begin by recognizing the work the minister's department has done over the past few years to enhance transparency and strengthen public trust in how government operates. We have seen steady efforts towards improving reporting tools, streamlining digital access to spending information and increasing the clarity of documents like the main estimates. At the same time, there has been a growing focus across departments on improving the quality and accessibility of services Canadians depend on, from passport renewals to benefit processing to digital tools that make navigating government easier. These are things that touch people's lives directly and help shape their confidence in public service as a whole.”
“In particular, are there any shifts in spending or areas of focus that he would highlight as especially significant with respect to supporting government commitments, responding to economic pressures or advancing service delivery improvements for Canadians?”
“I know Canadians do not often see the behind-the-scenes coordination required to ensure that departments are properly resourced to deliver the programs and services they rely on every day, and I think it is important to recognize the central role the Treasury Board plays in that process. As we all know, the main estimates provide Parliament with a detailed snapshot of how government plans to allocate public funds in the coming fiscal year, reflecting key policy priorities and commitments. With that in mind, recognizing that we are still early in the fiscal year, I would like to ask the President of the Treasury Board if he could please walk us through some of the high-level themes or priorities that Canadians should take away from the 2025-2026 main estimates.”
“These main estimates demonstrate how the government plans to invest public resources to meet the serious challenges and opportunities that are before us and address the priorities that matter most to Canadians. The government is committed to ensuring that Canadians can continue to rely on the critical services they need. When appropriation act No. 1, 2025-2026 is introduced, I urge all members to pass the bill without delay. Through you, Mr. Chair, I first want to congratulate my colleague on his re-election and his appointment as the President of the Treasury Board . I would like to thank him for appearing before the committee of the whole this evening to discuss the main estimates for 2025 and 2026.”
“The second total is $33.1 billion, which provides additional supply for the period from May 16 to June 29. The spending authorized through these special warrants is included in the main estimates total, and the amounts shown for each organization take this spending into account. To support transparency, details on the special warrant issued during the period of time that Parliament was dissolved for the purpose of the 2025 general election are available through the Canada Gazette and the orders in council online database. A summary report on special warrants is also tabled in Parliament and posted on Canada.ca within 15 days of the return of Parliament. Ensuring information is readily accessible allows Canadians and parliamentarians to explore the main estimates and other government financial reports to see how public money is spent.”
“This adds up to a total of $489.9 billion in planned budgetary spending for 130 organizations. (1920) Transfer payments to other levels of government, other organizations and individuals account for $294.8 billion in these estimates. For their part, operating and capital expenditures total $143.1 billion. The remaining $49.1 billion in the estimates would be used to pay down interest and administrative costs on the public debt. Before I conclude, I would be remiss if I did not also address the Governor General's special warrants that were issued to fund government operations during this year's general election, the fundamental element of our democracy. The total amount of the two special warrants issued in this period is $73.4 billion. The first was for $40.3 billion and provided supply for the period from April 1 to May 15.”
“It works to modernize regulations, reduce unnecessary red tape and ensure that the rules protect Canadians' health, safety and the environment, while also supporting innovation and co-operation with other jurisdictions. For this work, the department is requesting $10.5 million. Altogether, TBS is seeking $9.8 billion in these main estimates. With this funding, the secretariat can continue to support a modern, responsive and accountable government, one that delivers real results for Canadians and makes smart use of every tax dollar. Let me now turn to the overall 2025-26 main estimates. These main estimates present information on $222.9 billion in voted expenditures, meaning spending to be approved by Parliament, and $264 billion in statutory spending already authorized through existing legislation.”
“TBS is also responsible for spending oversight, making sure government programs are efficient, effective and aligned with our priorities. It reviews departmental spending proposals and advises Treasury Board ministers on funding decisions. Some of the proposed spending in support of oversight responsibility include $3.75 billion for the operating and capital budget carry forward, $1 billion for government contingencies to address urgent and unforeseen pressures such as natural disasters, and $600 million to reimburse departments for certain paylist expenditures, including maternity and parental leave. Finally, TBS oversees regulatory policy.”
“Some of its responsibilities in this area include providing guidance on financial management, advancing the government's digital transformation and making government operations greener and more climate resilient. For this work, TBS is requesting $140 million, which includes a $12.8-million increase in funding for the low-carbon fuel procurement program, $3.7 million for the renewal of the office of public service accessibility and a $3.2-million increase in funding to strengthen cybersecurity. Next, TBS plays a big role as the employer for the core public administration for which these estimates propose $4.1 billion primarily for public service insurance plans. It handles compensation, labour relations and workplace policies, everything from negotiating collective agreements to promoting diversity and inclusion.”
“Once approved, these funds will allow federal departments and agencies to continue delivering the critical programs and services Canadians rely on. I would like to take a few moments to talk about what is in the main estimates for the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, but first, for those new to the chamber, I will provide a quick overview. The Treasury Board Secretariat, or TBS, is a central agency that supports the Treasury Board. It helps departments put government policies into action and ensures public funds are used wisely and effectively. TBS sets the direction for how departments manage people, money, technology and even their environmental footprint through its administrative leadership role.”
“Part I is the government expenditure plan, which provides a summary of and highlights year-over-year changes in departmental spending and transfer payments. This helps provide perspective on the major issues influencing the government's planned spending. Part II is the main estimates, which many members of Parliament refer to as the blue book. It directly supports the appropriation acts for the main estimates. Part II also provides a list of resources individual departments and agencies require for the upcoming fiscal year so they can deliver their programs and services to Canadians. It is forward-looking in that it identifies proposed spending that will be included in a future appropriation bill that Parliament will be asked to approve.”
“Mr. Chair, it is a pleasure to rise to lend my voice to the debate on the 2025-2026 main estimates. Indeed, the ability to exercise spending oversight is one of the most important responsibilities we have as members of Parliament. The principle of accountability requires that parliamentarians know and approve how public funds are spent so they can hold the government accountable for its actions. It is a principle that the government and I, as a member of Parliament, take very seriously. That is why the government continues to make every effort necessary to ensure that parliamentarians and Canadians have timely access to accurate and understandable information about government spending. As members know, the main estimates serve as the mechanism to seek Parliament's approval of government expenditures. The document has two parts.”
“Mr. Chair, many indigenous communities face inadequate housing, water systems and transportation infrastructure. What is Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada doing to address the infrastructure gaps?”
“While the federal government is investing in housing supply for the longer term, it is also working to prevent and reduce homelessness in our communities through Reaching Home, Canada's homelessness strategy. To date, Reaching Home has supported over 9,500 projects. The program has helped more than 94,000 people find more stable housing and has provided over 170,000 with prevention services, such as short-term rental assistance or landlord mediation and much more. (2025) The federal government will continue to work alongside all its partners to build strong and safe Canadian communities. I especially look forward to the impact this will have in my community and for my constituents. I would like to ask the minister, how are funding allotments decided between provinces and territories?”
“Funding provided through the national housing strategy and Canada's housing plan is helping to improve housing outcomes and restore affordability for Canadians, particularly among vulnerable populations, including seniors, students and indigenous communities. The government is working together to build more homes by investing in Canada's home-building industry. To date, funding through national housing strategy programs has reduced or eliminated housing needs for more than 660,000 households. Additionally, over 166,000 new housing units have been created or committed. Over 322,000 units are currently under construction or have been repaired or built.”
“Through the Canada housing infrastructure fund's direct delivery stream, as well as agreements with provinces and territories, we are helping communities build the drinking water, stormwater and waste-water infrastructure that literally forms the foundation for more homes. To date, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada programs have supported more than 2,500 kilometres of drinking water, waste-water and stormwater assets, and close to 6,600 facilities. By helping deliver drinking water to communities and building waste-water treatment infrastructure, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada is helping to provide residents with access to safe and clean water. The federal government is continuing to leverage its investments in community infrastructure to cut red tape and incentivize housing.”
“To better protect Canadians in the face of extreme weather events, the government has invested more than $3.78 billion through the disaster mitigation and adaption fund and the investing in Canada infrastructure fund to strengthen the resilience of communities against climate change and to keep Canadians, their businesses and their homes safe. Increasing the housing supply in Canada requires building up the essential water and solid waste infrastructure. This is why the government is investing in infrastructure to enable housing through the Canada housing infrastructure fund.”
“In Oakville, these investments have helped enhance local cultural and recreational facilities, making them more accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Such investments not only enrich the quality of life in communities, such as my beautiful riding of Oakville West, but also contribute to local economic growth by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses tied to tourism and recreation. In the face of growing climate events, there is a critical importance in building resilient infrastructure for both safety and good economic sense.”
“The federal government has already invested in approximately 1,350 kilometres of bikeways, pathways and sidewalks across Canada. As Oakville residents, we know, first-hand, the value of this work. With over 260 kilometres of bikeways, 46 kilometres of beautiful trails and more than 1,000 kilometres of sidewalks right here in our town, my family and I, like so many others in Oakville, enjoy every step we take along these trails, making memories together, while staying active and connected to nature. The investments being made not only get Canadians from A to B, but also support the buildings and facilities that house culture, recreation and sport, the heart of vibrant communities. The federal government has invested in more than 2,000 inclusive and accessible cultural and recreational spaces.”
“By investing in the public transit that Canadians rely on, the department is helping Canadians get to where they need to go, whether it be work, school or simply to be active in their communities. Through the investing in Canada infrastructure program, the federal government has invested in more than 900 public transit projects. This includes supporting the purchase of more than 6,600 new buses, including over 1,600 zero-emission buses. Announced in 2024, the Canada public transit fund would provide municipalities, transit authorities and other groups with the resources to plan and implement key public transit projects over the long term. Active transportation is another key component of building well-connected communities. By foot or by bike, it gives residents convenient access to multi-use pathways, trails and sidewalks.”
“Mr. Chair, I would like to talk about the work of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and specifically, about how this work is helping to build complete communities for Canadians across the country, including in my riding. Besides my experience and background in electronics and engineering over two decades, I have also been involved in the housing industry as a licensed professional for a decade, which gives me a personal understanding of the importance of creating inclusive, livable and sustainable communities for families. Public transit is a key component of connected communities. It provides Canadians with affordable and accessible options in both urban and rural communities.”
“Mr. Chair, I would like to talk about the work of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and specifically, how this work is helping build complete communities for Canadians across the country, including in my riding.”
“Mr. Speaker, we take inflation very seriously. That is why we are giving a tax break to support Canadians. I would like to ask my colleague whether the Conservatives will support us to pass the legislation to bring middle-class tax cuts for nearly 22 million Canadians, to eliminate GST for the first-time homebuyers for new homes valued up to $1 million, to remove the carbon tax and to bring one Canadian economy.”