Rhonda Kirkland
Oshawa, Ontario · Conservative · Canada
“I find the Liberal government's response, both in committee and in the House, to be very arrogant and dismissive of the process that we have in the House for a reason.”
“Conservatives have been clear from the beginning: We support giving police the tools they need to pursue terrorists, child predators, organized crime networks and cybercriminals. With proper judicial authorization, law enforcement should be able to obtain lawful access to necessary and relevant evidence when investigating serious crimes.”
“13, to cut off debate and ram the bill through committee and through Parliament, moved by the Liberal public safety minister and the Liberal government, is an admission that the bill is so flawed that it cannot possibly withstand debate and scrutiny. I think the Liberals are afraid to answer the questions.”
“Our amendment to the motion even is reasonable: to split the bill, pass what we can agree on and do this right. Canadians expect us to do our homework, to read the fine print and to identify problems before legislation becomes law, not after. Most of all, Canadians expect Parliament to function as more than a government approval machine.”
“Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciate the work ethic of my friend and colleague who sits with me on the public safety committee and the amount that she has studied this bill. We studied it in depth, and I appreciate her being thankful for all the staff who have done this work with us as well.”
“Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Richmond Centre—Marpole . I have been a member for just over a year, 12 or 14 months, and I think I am more disappointed this week than I have been in my entire time in the House.”
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“Mr. Speaker, it feels like I am at Sunday morning church right now. The amazing member here has inspired us with his words, and I am grateful for those words. When I think about Sunday morning, I think about the word “trust”. Canadians are feeling like they cannot trust the government opposite, because it has been saying one thing for 10 years and now it is doing something else, claiming that it never said that. That is the gaslighting that I spoke about in my speech. Would the member comment on that?”
“Mr. Speaker, that is a huge question. I feel like those are a pittance. They are little pieces of the puzzle that many Canadians do not have access to other than, of course, the child benefit. In terms of child care, I would invite the member to tell the shift workers in my community about the $10-a-day child care. They do not have access to it because they work midnight shift. The child care is mostly for day shifts.”
“Mr. Speaker, I referred to this in my speech as having a massive impact. We have seen a major increase in food bank usage. Simcoe Hall Settlement House, which has been serving our community for 90 years, has seen a 55% increase. It cannot keep groceries on the shelves. It is running out to the grocery store, spending the money it is getting from gifts from the community to fill up its shelves, but by noon, the shelves are empty. Seniors who are hoping to get help are coming in the afternoon, and they cannot get it. We need change, and we it need now. We need a budget, and we needed it yesterday.”
“Mr. Speaker, I definitely heard those across the aisle blaming global inflation, which is a tired deflection. Canadians do not care where it all started. They care that it is worse here and that they are paying for it. The government's refusal to control its spending and the industrial carbon tax directly drives up costs across the supply chain, from farms to trucks to store shelves. It is not a global issue; it is Liberal policy.”
“I would much rather trust the members on this side of the aisle, who have lived regular lives and understand what it is like to go to a grocery store. Our Prime Minister admitted that he has never really even been in a grocery store. What we are saying here is very top level, but we need to tell that to the parent putting apples back at the till or the senior who is skipping their meals. We cannot spin a grocery receipt. The government's economic optimism may work in a boardroom, but in Oshawa and across the country, people are hurting. The numbers are clear. Food inflation is rising faster than inflation rates. Something has to be done.”
“The least their government can do is show the same discipline. If the Liberal government cannot live within its means, how can Canadian families be expected to live within their means?”
“It is a call for accountability through a tabled budget. It is a demand for answers. It is a stand on behalf of every Canadian who has opened a grocery bill and felt fear. The government has had a chance to fix this. For 10 years, the Liberals ignored it. They spent, they taxed, they blamed, and now they want credit for admitting there is a problem. That is not leadership; that is damage control and, again, akin to abuse and gaslighting. “We made the problem; now trust us to fix the problem.” Canadians are not accepting that. On behalf of Oshawa, I am not accepting that. This House is meant to represent the common people, but do the members across the aisle even understand what the average Canadian is struggling with on a day-to-day basis? Enough is enough. Canadians are making sacrifices every day.”
“Tell that to the single parent shopping at the No Frills on Bloor Street who is putting groceries back at the till. Tell that to the working families of General Motors who can no longer afford basic staples because beef, fruit, rice and even baby formula are now luxuries. Tell that to the food bank volunteers at Simcoe Hall Settlement House who are watching shelves empty faster than they can be filled. Canadians are not asking for much. They are not asking for luxuries; they are asking for groceries. They are asking for leadership who understand that budgets do not balance themselves, that we cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity and that economic discipline is not just a talking point but a lifeline for families barely hanging on. The Conservative motion before the House is not complicated.”
“The largest group using the food bank now are single parents. I know what that is like. I have been there, and I can say that when a government makes it harder to feed the kids, that is not a government that is helping the middle class; that is a government that is hurting it. Feed the Need in Durham was established in 2008 by local food banks as a regional food-distribution hub. Its distribution is annually worth $8.8 million: 2.5 million pounds. From 2021 to 2023, it saw an increase in usage of 60%; from then to 2024, an additional 26%; and in just the third quarter of last year, another 25%. The Liberals say everything is fine: Inflation is under control. “You can trust us.” Well, come to Oshawa. Tell that to the senior living at Faith Place or on Benson Street who is choosing between food and rent this month.”
“(1335) The truth is in the numbers, yet the government continues to pour fuel on the fire. It is now introducing a half-trillion dollars in inflationary spending. The Prime Minister said he would cap spending growth at 2%; now he is saying 8%, which is an astounding four times what he promised. That is not just a broken promise; it is an economic betrayal of Canadian families, and all without presenting a budget. In my own hometown of Oshawa, we are seeing these consequences first-hand. The organizers at Simcoe Hall Settlement House, a local food bank that has honourably served our community for 90 years, are sounding the alarm. Usage of the food bank has surged to 55% more this year. It is not just low-income or single-income families anymore; it is dual-income households, working full time, raising kids and still coming up short.”
“How does a country that grows food for the world make food so unaffordable for its own people? I think the answer is sitting across the aisle. The current Liberal government is not the solution, because, I believe, it is the architect of the problem. The Liberals want us to trust the people who created the problem to fix it. To me, it almost sounds like an abusive relationship, and a bit of gaslighting. They spend too much. They tax too much. Now everything costs too much. Even baby formula is up 9.1%. Let us think about that. Baby formula is now a luxury item under the current Liberal government. A recent CTV News report confirmed what Canadians were already feeling. For three months in a row now, grocery prices are rising faster than overall inflation. The government cannot blame this on grocers anymore.”
“Let me share some of the numbers, because the statistics now match the stories we have been hearing for months. The statistics are in. Since the start of 2024, the price of beef strip loin has increased by 34.2%. Beef top sirloin is up almost 34%. Oranges have risen by 26% and apples by almost 19%. The cost of white rice has gone up 14.2%, while sweet potatoes are up almost 13%. Coffee has increased 9.3%, and I know other members in this House are struggling with that as well, because we need our coffee. Chicken breasts and pork rib cuts are both up 6%, pork shoulder has increased 5% and eggs have risen almost 4%. I cannot be the only one here noticing the pattern. These foods are examples of the healthy choices, the ones we need the most to nourish our families.”
“Families are eating less nutritious food, cutting back on meals and turning to food banks in record numbers, not because they want to but because they have no other choice. According to the latest data, Canadian families will pay $16,834 for food this year, an increase of $800 since 2024. For most people, that is a couple of car payments, maybe three, or perhaps a chance for their kids to get into that sports or arts program they have always wanted to do. Worse, that might be the difference between getting by and going under. Why is this happening? Why are Canadians paying more and getting less? It is not sustainable. It is not responsible. After 10 years of Liberal inflationary deficits, it is the direct result of the government's choices.”
“Hearts are beating with nervous fear that if they spend too much here, they may not be able to get their kids their other needs in life, like clothing, or maybe they will just need to forget programs like sports or the arts. They are not just shopping; they are trying to survive. They are walking aisle to aisle doing the mental math: “Can we afford beef or any meat this week? Do we really need fruit? Can we stretch what is in the pantry for just a few more days?” Conservatives refuse to accept this as normal. Now even the Prime Minister , finally, after the Liberals have been ignoring this growing crisis for 10 years, has admitted that he will be held to account by the prices Canadians pay at the grocery store. Today is the day we will hold him to it. Since the start of 2025, food inflation has worsened even more.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time today with the member for Tobique—Mactaquac . It is an honour to rise again today on behalf of Oshawa and the countless families, seniors and everyday Canadians who, unfortunately, are being punished even though they are doing everything right. They work hard. They pay their taxes. They follow the rules. What do they get in return? They get soaring grocery bills, bare cupboards and empty fridges. I have spoken to so many families, and the stories are the same. It feels like every time they walk into a grocery store, they are nervous about what the attendant might say. Single parents, as well as those in double-income homes, are watching each item pass by the scanner as the grocery bill rises way quicker than ever before.”
“Mr. Chair, in one of these letters to a victim of crime, whose father was bludgeoned to death by an axe murderer in Oshawa when I was a teenager, she was told that the parole board would make a decision and—”
“Mr. Chair, I am happy to read a few of them: cognitive behavioural therapy, education and literacy programs, psychiatric care and counselling, addiction treatment, risk and needs assessments, employment assistance, parenting programs and all sorts of things like that. Is there one thing in that list that victims have access to?”
“Mr. Chair, I understand offenders who have been convicted of violent crimes do have rights. They are given access to many services and resources including substance abuse treatment, anger and violence management, sex offender treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy, education and literacy programs, employment skills training, psychiatric care and counselling, addiction treatment, risk and needs assessments, housing and employment assistance, life skills and parenting programs. Of course, all of these are at a cost to Canadian taxpayers. Can the minister tell me whether these services and resources are provided to victims of violent crime as well?”
“Madam Speaker, I will be brief. There was story after story. It really comes down to affordability, and people just want the freedom to be able to live on a safe street and have a home. The best story is about one young lady in southern Oshawa. She came out with her son and said, “This is Ms. Kirkland, who is running for the Conservative Party. You know, the blue party.” Then she said, “Can I give you a hug?” Honestly, it was those—”
“Madam Speaker, I am really superhappy that the member opposite asked me that question, because our Conservatives proposed a ton of solutions in the 44th Parliament as well as during the last campaign. Some of those, I believe, were plagiarized by his government. I am happy that it plagiarized them. Some of them are good. I would like to see them go further.”
“Madam Speaker, Oshawa has elected a hometown girl who understands its struggles and its strengths. I would be remiss to stand here and speak about things I have not fully learned about. I am here to defend our rights and freedoms, bring common sense back to government and be a voice for families, workers, seniors and youth in Oshawa. I will always work to effectively bring better housing for my community, and I do wish that for all Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, Dr. Colin Carrie is one of the hardest workers I know, and he always advocated for Oshawa. Some of that investment came because of Dr. Carrie's advocacy, his standing up in this House and saying over and over again what Oshawa needed. The other part was when he was in government for 10 years, with our last Conservative mandate under former prime minister Stephen Harper.”
“That news was heavy, but if there is one thing Oshawa has shown time and time again, it is that our people are resilient. We have weathered hardship before, and we have come through stronger. We will stand by our workers and families every step of the way.”
“Our goal is of course a drug-free Canada where individuals can get the help they need, where families can be reunited and where hope replaces despair. In Oshawa and across the country, Canadians deserve safe streets, and I will keep fighting until they have them. Oshawa is a proud city, a city that helped build this country through auto manufacturing, small business, innovation and grit. From the early days of McLaughlin Motor Car Company to the modern production lines of General Motors, manufacturing is in our DNA. Sadly, just a few weeks ago, we learned that General Motors will be reducing operations at the Oshawa Assembly plant, moving from three shifts to two and affecting 700 workers at the plant and thousands from feeder plants in the community.”
“I hear it every day from business owners, parents and seniors who no longer feel safe walking to their car. Violent crime is up. Public drug use is rampant. People are scared, and they feel abandoned. The Liberal government has made life easier for repeat violent offenders and harder for law-abiding Canadians trying to raise their families and run businesses. Conservatives will fight to end the dangerous policies that are putting our communities at risk, such as the catch-and-release bail system that lets repeat offenders walk free instead of facing real consequences. We will also champion a compassionate but tough approach to addiction, which means focusing on treatment and recovery, not simply handing out more drugs. People deserve the chance to rebuild their lives and break free from addiction, not to be left to struggle in it.”
“As Conservatives, we will fight to free up land, speed up the permitting process and cut taxes for both homebuyers and home builders. We all know that building more homes is not enough on its own; we want to ensure those homes are part of safe, vibrant communities, places where kids can play outside without worry, where seniors can enjoy a peaceful walk and where families can go to bed at night without fearing that their car might be gone or vandalized by the morning. Home ownership should mean more than just having a roof over one's head; it should bring a sense of security, stability and pride. We are committed to making that vision a reality again for every Canadian. Downtown Oshawa is feeling the impact of the government's soft-on-crime policies.”
“It is time to restore the dream of home ownership, a dream that has been steadily slipping away over the past 10 years. Young Canadians are giving up on the hope of owning a home. It used to take 25 years to pay off a mortgage, and now it takes 25 years to even consider saving enough for a down payment. This means that when my son graduates from university next year, it is now expected to take him until he is about 47 years old to even consider having enough saved for a down payment. Conservatives refuse to accept that as normal. Why can Canada not be faster when it comes to getting a building permit? There should be no more waiting for months or years to get shovels in the ground. If we want to solve the housing crisis, we need to act with speed and efficiency.”
“That conversation has stayed with me because what that young man felt is what I heard repeatedly at the doors. It reminded me of my own children. His hopes were theirs. His fears were real. It was the story of every family I met who told me they are working harder than ever but falling farther behind, wondering if their kids will ever be able to afford a home in the community they grew up in. Therefore, I rise today not just as a member of Parliament but as a neighbour, a single mom, a worker, someone who understands what is at stake for every Canadian dreaming of a better future. When we talk about building that future, we must talk about homes, because housing is the foundation of stability for so many families. Today that foundation is crumbling.”
“It was a powerful reflection of our community's hope for a Pierre Poilievre Conservative government. One of the most unforgettable moments of the campaign came during our rally with our leader Pierre Poilievre in Oshawa. I had the privilege of standing amid 6,500 people and leading them in singing O Canada , and wow, did they ever do so with pride and purpose. In that moment, everyone could feel it: the unity, the hope and the belief that change is not only possible but within reach. (1525) Among the crowd, I would find out later, was a 15-year-old high school student who had convinced his mom to attend. A few days later, she walked into our campaign office and wanted to share what that night had meant to both her and her son. He had been moved deeply. He spoke to her about his fears for his future and his hopes for our country.”
“I would also like to thank my immediate predecessor, Dr. Colin Carrie, who faithfully served the people of Oshawa for nearly 21 years in opposition and in government. He served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of health under the Conservative governments of former prime minister Stephen Harper and as parliamentary secretary to the minister of the environment. It should also be noted that Dr. Carrie was instrumental in bringing record investment back to Oshawa while he was a member, more than the previous NDP and Liberal members combined, in fact. Oshawa should be proud of their choice since 2004. I intend to follow in that tradition, bringing the same level of commitment and purpose to my work for our Oshawa. The recent election in Oshawa was more than just a political contest.”
“I look forward to thanking them all in person at our appreciation event this Friday in Oshawa. I want to give a special thanks to Andrew, Alex, Skip, Maryann, George, Callum, Phil and Paula, who chaired this campaign with their whole hearts. Yes, they are my friends, but more than that, they gave their time and energy because they care deeply about Oshawa. They believe, as I do, that our city deserves strong, thoughtful representation and leadership that truly listens. As I stand here today, I would be remiss if I did not mention members who came before me, whom I have held in high esteem as I have sought to represent my hometown. The late Hon. Michael Starr, the first cabinet minister of Ukrainian descent, served as minister of labour in the government of John Diefenbaker and served as the opposition House leader as well.”
“He was super interested in something called the Reform Party and Preston Manning, and that was my entrance into politics. I also thank my siblings, whom I am more grateful for than ever. I am the youngest of seven children, often being the brunt of all the jokes, such as they found me on the side of the street and decided to bring me home. Those are the fun stories, but I am thankful that I have my siblings now that my parents have passed. I also could not be more grateful to my incredible campaign team and volunteers. Their support made this moment possible. I am so thankful for their belief in me and in the work ahead. If I could name them all here today, I would, but time does not allow me to name the hundreds of workers who pounded in signs, knocked on doors and spoke to Canadians about their dreams and concerns.”
“I carry their voices with me into this chamber, voices of families, workers, students, seniors and small business owners, each with hopes and concerns that deserve to be heard and must be addressed with respect and action. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude first to my family, especially my two children, my 21-year-old son Clayton and my 14-year-old daughter Claire. They have sacrificed much over the past year and have been among my greatest supporters. I would also like to thank my late parents, my mom, who passed away suddenly in 2021, and my dad, who quickly followed her to their heavenly home just 10 months later. I believe they would be proud. My mother was a meek, quiet woman but knew how to get the job done always. My dad introduced me to politics when I was 14.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an immense honour for me to rise for my first speech in the House of Commons. To be entrusted with the responsibility of representing the people of my hometown of Oshawa is both humbling and motivating. Oshawa is a proud city built on hard work, resilience and innovation. This chair belongs to it. Oshawa has roots as a manufacturing powerhouse, but it is also a resilient and forward-looking community. It is a place built on hard work and determination, and to me, it reflects the best of Canada's values: strength, opportunity and community. I want to begin by thanking my neighbours in Oshawa for placing their trust in me, electing, for the first time, to send a woman to represent them in the House of Commons.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have been dealing with rising food costs for years, but this year it is spiralling out of control. Families, seniors and hard-working Canadians are being pushed to the brink and struggling to afford even the basics. I left the grocery store last week after paying $100 for just two bags: the basics, no meat and only enough to feed my family for a couple of days. Beef is up 33%; oranges are up 26%; infant formula is up 9%. In Oshawa, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, which has been serving our community for 90 years, is being pushed to its limits with a staggering 55% increase in food bank usage, including from dual-income families, but single moms like me are among the hardest hit and now represent the largest group relying on its support. Canadians are not asking for luxuries; they are asking for groceries.”
“Mr. Speaker, the price of the average home in my hometown of Oshawa has gone up 121% since 2015. According to Equifax, a record number of Ontarians are missing mortgage payments now, up 71.5% since early 2024. A TMU professor said, “The first thing you make sure you do in life is to pay your mortgage, but people aren’t doing that, because the whole system is so broken now.” The Liberal housing minister, former mayor of Vancouver, comes to us with an already broken record of sky-high prices and surging homelessness, so why should Canadians trust him to do the job?”