← LEADERSHIP TERMINAL

HOUSE OF COMMONS · FORMER

Juanita Nathan

Pickering—Brooklin, Ontario · Liberal · Canada

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize a constituent and disability advocate from Pickering—Brooklin, Onila Miranda. Onila, who lives with cerebral palsy, has launched an advocacy campaign called “Love is a Human Right” to raise awareness about ableism and call for greater dignity, inclusion and respect for people with disabilities.

SITTING 138 · 2026-06-16 · READ IN HANSARD

Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Seniors Month, I rise today to highlight that this Saturday, June 13, marks Canada's National Long-Term Care Day. This year's theme, caring across Canada, celebrates the residents, families, staff, volunteers and advocates who make long-term care communities strong from coast to coast to coast.

SITTING 134 · 2026-06-10 · READ IN HANSARD

It would strengthen the criminal law in ways that respond directly to what survivors, advocates and frontline professionals have long told us about how gender-based violence actually occurs. (1940) Bill C-16 would create a new offence, criminalizing a pattern of coercive or controlling conduct in intimate partner relationships.

SITTING 133 · 2026-06-09 · READ IN HANSARD

In 2017, the federal government released a federal gender-based violence strategy and has since invested over $800 million, about $44 million per year, to coordinate federal actions under three pillars: preventing gender-based violence, supporting survivors and their families, and promoting a responsive justice system.

SITTING 133 · 2026-06-09 · READ IN HANSARD

Importantly, Bill C-16 also recognizes that gender-based violence increasingly occurs through technology. The rise of sexually explicit deepfakes, sextortion and online harassment has created new avenues for abuse, particularly targeting women and girls.

SITTING 133 · 2026-06-09 · READ IN HANSARD

Over the past year, legislative amendments in Bill C-51 and Bill C-75 clarified and strengthened sexual assault laws and the criminal justice system's response to intimate partner violence, and Bill C-233 imposed stricter conditions for people charged with an offence involving intimate partner violence.

SITTING 133 · 2026-06-09 · READ IN HANSARD

The complete record

Every one of 201 lines we hold for Juanita Nathan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 5.

  1. Mr. Speaker, I will continue where I left off. The draft legislation proposal for the commissioner was shared with over 130 modern treaty partners for their awareness, review and feedback. The partners consulted included groups negotiating a modern treaty, self-governing indigenous governments, sectoral agreement holders, national indigenous organizations and key partners, and provincial and territorial governments. The reason for this approach was to ensure that all partners with interest in the commissioner's work would be consulted and engaged. The government engaged with partners through bilateral and multilateral meetings, and, using existing working groups, through negotiation tables and implementation committees, where possible.

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  2. Following the announcement, the Government of Canada began an extensive period of consultation and engagement on a draft legislative proposal to create the commissioner—

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  3. The proposal was under federal consideration until May 2024. At the second annual Intergovernmental Leaders Forum, the Government of Canada, modern treaty partners and self-governing indigenous governments came together to announce the intention to create an independent oversight body headed by a new commissioner of modern treaty implementation as an agent of Parliament. This new role would be a long-overdue, transformative shift in the modern treaty relationship that symbolizes a collaborative approach to governance and accountability. The commissioner would work to hold the federal government accountable to its modern treaty obligations and objectives, as well as to the relationships they embody.

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  4. The policy was an important step forward, creating greater oversight to make sure the federal government keeps its modern treaty promises and is held accountable to Parliament for its commitments. In March 2023, the Government of Canada and modern treaty partners began an intensive codevelopment process. It was facilitated mainly through the modern treaty implementation policy working group. The group consisted of representatives from most of the 27 modern treaties, and federal officials from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The groups that did not participate through this forum were engaged through their preferred methods. Throughout the codevelopment period between March and September 2023, department officials also held over 90 engagements across the federal system with other government departments and agencies.

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  5. One way of doing so is through modern treaties, which have been an essential part of advancing reconciliation and building nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships that are based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership. Modern treaties are part of the constitutional framework of Canada and represent a distinct expression of reconciliation. They are created through negotiations with indigenous groups to reflect their specific needs, priorities and circumstances, be they political, economic, legal, historical, cultural or social. In February 2023, the Government of Canada and modern treaty partners jointly announced Canada's collaborative modern treaty implementation policy. The policy acknowledges that Canada can and must do better with respect to modern treaty implementation.

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  6. Mr. Speaker, kwe kwe , taanshi . Hello. Before we proceed, let us take a moment to recognize the gratitude we have for being gathered here on the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, whose connection to this land continues to this day. I am thankful for the time to speak today to the proposed legislation to establish a commissioner for modern treaty implementation. I will focus on the partnership approach that was used to codevelop this initiative with modern treaty partners. The Government of Canada acknowledges the painful legacy of colonialism in this country and understands the need to change the path going forward.

    SITTING 35 · 2025-10-06 · READ IN HANSARD

  7. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary achievement from my riding of Pickering—Brooklin. Joel Toscano from the community of Whitevale and his team have won the 2025 TIFF 48-hour film challenge, a prestigious national competition where filmmakers are given only two days to write, film and edit a short film. Out of many talented participants across the country, Joel's creativity and skills stood out, earning him this remarkable honour. His success is a testament not only to his dedication to the arts but also to the vibrant creative spirit that thrives in our community. We are so proud of Joel and his team and look forward to seeing where this talent takes him next. I invite all members of the House to join me in congratulating Joel Toscano and his team on this outstanding accomplishment.

    SITTING 32 · 2025-10-01 · READ IN HANSARD

  8. Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw attention to a deeply troubling development. The second phase of excavation at the Chemmani mass graves in Sri Lanka concluded on September 6, uncovering the remains of 240 men, women and mostly children. According to Amnesty International, Sri Lanka has one of the highest numbers of enforced disappearances in the world, with estimates of up to 100,000 over the decade. Each of these cases represents a profound loss for families still seeking answers. As the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances reviews Sri Lanka's record, I call on the House to remember the disappeared, to stand with the families and to honour the dignity of those whose lives were taken.

    SITTING 31 · 2025-09-30 · READ IN HANSARD

  9. Mr. Speaker, I feel that food security and the role of the agriculture sector will have the biggest impact on my neighbourhood in Pickering—Brooklin. Half of my community is rural. In the coming days and months, I am waiting to see what the government will do to strengthen Canada's food security by investing in greenhouses, hydroponics and controlled-environment agriculture that would allow us to grow more types of food here at home, which would definitely alleviate a lot of the lineups at food banks. We must work to increase the resilience of food supply chains, support innovation and amend the mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with respect to security and cost of food in its regulatory decisions, without compromising health and safety.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  10. Mr. Speaker, I agree wholeheartedly with what my colleague opposite is saying about women who are in abusive situations. As a former abuse counsellor, I completely understood what she is talking about. I am, as is the government, determined to protect, in the upcoming budget, funding for women, women's sectors and organizations that are supporting women. We will wait to see that in the budget coming up in November.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  11. Mr. Speaker, Canadians provided the government with a clear mandate to provide a stronger and more resilient economy. While the opposition keeps talking about the Prime Minister 's globe-trotting, he is going around the world trying to get more investment into the country. An hon. member: It does not seem to be working. Juanita Nathan: Mr. Speaker, we need to wait and see. We have gotten about $60 billion in investments so far. Budget 2025 will build on these actions by seizing a generational opportunity to transform the Canadian economy through ambitious—

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  12. These pressures reinforce the importance of a coordinated, long-term approach to food affordability and economic resilience. We will continue to work to develop a strong consumer advocacy culture and ensure that Canadians are equipped with the tools they need to navigate food prices and make sound purchasing decisions. Our government remains dedicated to investigating harmful practices impacting Canadians, ensuring continued collaboration in areas of joint jurisdiction with provincial and territorial colleagues responsible for consumer protection, working to strengthen competition in Canada's grocery sector and continuing to provide Canadians with accurate and timely information on food pricing in Canada.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  13. This requires the complete engagement of the entire supply chain. Our engagement with industry has been focused on ensuring the continuous improvement of food affordability. Through continued collaboration with provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture and widespread industry engagement, we were pleased to announce that in July 2024, all the large grocery retailers committed to the grocery sector code of conduct. The code is a positive step toward uniting supply chain partners under a set of ground rules and bringing more fairness, transparency and predictability to Canada's grocery supply chain and to consumers. We recognize that global and external pressures like tariffs imposed by the United States are also contributing to cost and pricing increases that affect consumers, workers and businesses in Canada.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  14. In addition, amendments to the Competition Act through Bill C-56 , the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act, will affect how the Competition Bureau can examine potentially anti-competitive arguments such as controls on the use of commercial real estate. The widespread use of competitive property controls can make it more difficult for firms to enter new markets or expand, reducing the choices available to Canadians consumers. Since these amendments passed, we have seen a number of concessions by major grocers, such as willingly removing some of the controls they had in place and opening up those markets. These are clear wins for both Canadian consumers and prospective new entrants in the grocery retail market. We are aware, however, that food price stabilization can occur only when there is co-operation.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  15. (1630) That is why, in recent years, the Government of Canada has modernized the Competition Act, making amendments that affect how the Competition Bureau can investigate anti-competitive conduct and deceptive marketing. For example, making changes to the act requires that vendors be more truthful in their advertising, recognizing that displaying prices without additional fees included is a form of dishonesty. This practice of drip pricing makes it more difficult for consumers to make price comparisons and find the best value and punishes vendors that are more up front with the actual cost of goods.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  16. While this is an encouraging trend, the Government of Canada continues to work hard to address affordability issues and take action to improve food affordability for all Canadians. We have made headway in attaining the food price stability Canadians need and deserve. To ensure they continue to pay fair prices for groceries, we will maintain our efforts in funding the work of the organizations that advocate for their rights and the protection of their interests. We will continue to make sure that Canadians have the information they need to make informed choices at the grocery store. We will take action to improve competition and will hold companies accountable in the process.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  17. Our government has made it a priority to maintain the food price data hub to give Canadians up-to-date and detailed information on food prices to help them make informed decisions about their grocery options. Additionally, the government's grocery affordability web page aims to create greater transparency around pricing to foster competition and help consumers increase their confidence in participating in marketplaces. Most recently, the food price data hub published the latest consumer price index, CPI, data for August 2025, which indicates that inflation for groceries has fallen from a peak of 11.4% in January 2023 to 3.5% in August 2025. This means Canadians have seen a decline in food inflation since January 2023.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  18. Priority topics such as affordability, sustainable consumption, barriers to competition in the grocery sector and consumer protection against junk fees and price gouging were all identified as key priorities in its latest open call for proposals. With these priorities top of mind, a funded project from a previous call supported a national consumer movement that reached Canadians from coast to coast to coast, offering practical tools to decode grocery pricing strategies and empowering consumers to make informed choices at the checkout. Our government has continued to reiterate its commitments to providing Canadians with the tools and data they need to make informed choices in the marketplace.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  19. The Canadian consumer protection initiative has enabled independent research in order to gain insights on retail pricing practices such as shrinkflation and skimpflation in the grocery sector. In a recent call focused on food, priority topics included affordability, sustainable consumption, barriers to competition in the grocery sector and consumer protection against junk fees and price gouging. In addition to independent research, this program supports the creation of resources to raise awareness about food, especially when it comes to sustainability issues. In providing further funding for consumer advocacy, we are ensuring that consumer interest organizations are supported to meaningfully advocate for Canadians.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  20. We introduced in Parliament Bill C-4 , the making life more affordable for Canadians act, which would legislate a middle-class tax cut so dual-income households can save approximately $800 a year. Bringing down costs for Canadians is central to our plan outlined in the Speech from the Throne. This tax relief would benefit nearly 22 million Canadians and would help them keep more of their hard-earned paycheques to spend wherever it matters most to them. We are also very mindful that addressing the growing cost of essential goods, including groceries, requires a strong consumer advocacy sector as well as timely and independent research on consumer issues. That is why our government has taken measures to invest in consumer advocacy work.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  21. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to participate in the debate on the Conservative motion in relation to the action the government is taking to address food affordability and ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable food and other daily essential goods. Our government believes that food affordability is a serious issue facing all Canadians today. Canadians are not experiencing inflation as a statistic; they are experiencing it in their grocery stores. This is the reason our focus has been to deliver on our commitment to improving affordability, with a strong focus on relieving the financial pressure Canadians are experiencing. Our government has been actively engaged in and is committed to improving affordability for all Canadians, with a view to alleviating the financial stress they are experiencing.

    SITTING 29 · 2025-09-24 · READ IN HANSARD

  22. Mr. Speaker, everyone deserves to be safe in Canada. That was definitely reflected when I was at people's doors in April. Community safety is not a talking point; it is a responsibility, and we understand that. Everyone needs to feel safe in their home. This summer, I met with police chiefs as well as provincial and municipal leaders across Canada to ensure that—

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  23. Mr. Speaker, as the parliamentary secretary said, we will take this under advisement. We will always make sure that people's voices are heard. The justice system will always prioritize community safety, respect victims and ensure that dangerous repeat violent offenders are kept off the streets, without sacrificing fairness, charter protections or the effective administration of justice. While the federal government is responsible for setting the rules around bail and sentencing, it is the provinces that administer the system and appoint the judges. I want to assure the hon. member that we will take her comments under advisement.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  24. Mr. Speaker, heinous crimes need to be punished, and we recognize that. This fall, our government will introduce legislation to strengthen Canada's bail system so things like that will not repeat themselves and to make it harder for repeat violent offenders to be released on bail. It would also increase sentences for the most serious repeat violent crimes, particularly those linked to organized crime, home invasion, auto theft and human trafficking, and address court delays so that serious cases will proceed quickly and victims will not be retraumatized by procedural backlogs. We call on all parties to put partisanship aside and work with us to deliver the evidence-based solutions Canadians expect from us and deserve.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  25. More recently, the Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Justice , publicly expressed an intention to table a bill this fall, introducing stricter bail and sentencing laws, particularly in relation to organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and auto theft, but the federal government cannot do it alone. We are working with our provincial and territorial partners to ensure that they continue to play their critical role in administrating bail and providing the data and support systems needed to make the system work. Together we can build a justice system that protects communities, respects rights and earns the confidence of people across Canada.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  26. The federal government continues to work closely with the provinces and territories, including representatives from law enforcement, and is committed to addressing concerns with the bail system and developing meaningful solutions. This commitment was articulated in the government's election platform, which called for stricter bail laws for individuals charged with violent and organized crimes related to auto theft, home invasion and human trafficking and smuggling. The Prime Minister also committed to strengthening bail and sentencing laws following the June 2 first ministers' meeting.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  27. Public safety is not just about enforcement; it is also about creating the conditions where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. People in Canada deserve a bail system that is fair and effective. They also deserve to see all orders of government working together to ensure the proper functioning of the system, not just through legislation but also through monitoring and prevention. This is why the federal government is working closely with provincial and territorial partners to enhance bail data collection, figure out what is driving crime in different jurisdictions and develop actual solutions that will reduce reoffending at the bail stage and beyond. The federal government stands ready to continue this work. It is committed to continuing to reform the bail system and to support its partners.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  28. We also need to work together to address the root causes of crime, including poverty, mental health, substance use and housing insecurity. These are areas where provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction and expertise. Their leadership is essential to achieving long-term reductions in crime and to improving public safety. At the same time, we must recognize that meaningful progress requires sustained collaboration across all orders of government. The federal government has a role to play in supporting innovation, funding evidence-based programs and ensuring national coordination, but it cannot act alone. By working in partnership with provinces and territories, we all can invest in upstream solutions that prevent crime before it happens, strengthen communities and promote equity.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  29. This is essential for evaluating the impact of bail reforms, understanding regional differences in bail outcomes, supporting evidence-based policy developments and enhancing public confidence in the justice system. (1245) Public safety depends on collaboration. We know that people in Canada are concerned about repeat violent offending and threats to community safety. The government shares those concerns, but effective bail administration requires more than just legal tools; it also requires resources, infrastructure and coordination. We are working with our provincial and territorial partners to ensure that they are investing in bail supervision programs, community supports for accused persons, enforcement mechanisms for bail conditions and improvements to remand facilities.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  30. The amendments were also informed by engagement with law enforcement, community organizations and other key partners and stakeholders. However, legislation is only one part of the solution. As a start, we need better data. There is a critical lack of national bail data, and this is preventing a full understanding of how the bail system is operating across Canada. The federal government does not collect bail data; provinces and territories do. That means they hold the key to unlocking the evidence we need to assess the effectiveness of bail laws, identify gaps and make informed decisions. We are working with provincial and territorial partners to increase the efforts to collect and report bail data.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  31. These amendments reflect Parliament's recognition that intimate partner violence is a serious issue and that the bail system had to be reformed to better respond to this violence and to better protect the victims. In 2023, Bill C-48 expanded reverse onus provisions for repeat violent offenders and required courts to explicitly consider public safety when making a bail decision. Specifically, the amendments created a new reverse onus to target serious repeat violent offending involving weapons, expanded the list of firearm offences that trigger a reverse onus and broadened the reverse onus targeting repeat offenders of intimate partner violence, among others. These reforms were developed in close collaboration with provinces and territories. They responded directly to concerns raised by premiers across the country.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  32. I want to emphasize that while law reform is important, law reform on its own is not enough. Over the past several years, the federal government has taken meaningful steps to modernize bail laws. Bill C-75 also made it more onerous for people accused of intimate partner violence to obtain bail. Specifically, the amendments created a reverse onus at bail for an accused charged with a violent offence involving an intimate partner if they had a prior conviction for violence against an intimate partner. Amendments also required courts to consider prior intimate partner violence convictions when determining whether to release the accused or impose bail conditions.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  33. In short, it is an important partnership with the provinces and territories on the front lines of bail administration. Their role is central to ensuring that the bail system functions effectively and fairly. Their central role also means they are uniquely positioned to identify and work with us to address all the systemic challenges within the bail system, whether delays in hearings, access to legal aid or the availability of community-based supports. Strengthening bail administration requires not only legal expertise but also investments in infrastructure, data systems and frontline services. When provinces and territories are empowered and resourced to lead, the entire justice system benefits from greater efficiency, fairness and public confidence.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  34. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak about the important issue of bail and the role of the criminal justice system in keeping our communities safe. This is an important opportunity to reaffirm the government's commitment to public safety and to highlight the critical role provinces and territories play in the administration of Canada's bail system. Canada's criminal justice system is a shared responsibility. While the federal government is responsible for enacting criminal law and procedure, including the laws that govern bail, the provinces and territories are responsible for the daily administration and management of the bail system. This includes conducting most bail hearings, enforcing and monitoring bail conditions, operating remand facilities and collecting and reporting bail data.

    SITTING 24 · 2025-09-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  35. Mr. Speaker, like I said, the bill is here to protect us in three different ways. It is here to secure our borders so any trafficking, car theft and border security issues can be combatted; to combat transnational organized crimes and fentanyl coming in and out of the country; and to disrupt illicit financing. This is what we have heard about at the doors, and our government is acting swiftly. I am really hoping the opposition will support the bill.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  36. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what we are doing here. Canadians sent us here to deliver meaningful legislation that protects our families, our communities and our future. In Pickering—Brooklin, residents are deeply concerned about rising crimes, car thefts and the exploitation of young children through human trafficking. That is why the Liberals are supporting the bill, and we are hoping the opposition will support the bill as well. That is why we are here for hours debating the bill, so it can pass soon. I hope my hon. colleague will support the bill.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  37. Mr. Speaker, with respect to the Canada Post Corporation Act, the bill would remove barriers that prevent police from searching the mail where authorized to do so. Where authorized to do so, it would be with a warrant. I would like the member to let her constituents know to rest assured that a warrant would still be needed.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  38. Amendments would also allow IRCC to disclose immigration information for the purpose of co-operation with federal partners and to uphold the integrity and fairness of the asylum system, including by streamlining the intake, processing and adjudication of claims. I could go on. The proposed bill has documentation and comments about modernizing legislation and equipping law enforcement with necessary tools to combat transnational organized crime in an increasingly complex threat environment. As all members of the chamber can see, the strong borders act is a key and comprehensive component of our new government's plan to build a safe and more secure Canada. I am asking all parties to support this important legislation.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  39. We are proposing to amend the Oceans Act to add security-related activities, such as countering criminal activity and drug trafficking, and enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and share information with security, defence and intelligence partners. We will also amend the sex offenders act regulations to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to share information collected under the act with domestic and international partners. Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act would secure and extend legislative authorities to cancel, suspend or vary immigration documents and cancel or suspend processes of new applicants en masse for reasons determined to be in the public interest.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  40. Finally, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, a national charity dedicated to the personal safety of all children, has stated that the changes proposed in the strong borders act “would reduce barriers Canadian police face when investigating the growing number of online crimes against children”. When developing the legislation that is now before the House, the government had three major objectives: secure the border, combat transnational organized crime and fentanyl, and disrupt illicit financing. To secure the border, we propose to amend the Customs Act to compel transporters and warehouse operators to provide access to their premises to allow for export inspection by CBSA officers, and require owners and operators of certain ports of entry and exit to provide facilities for export inspections, just as they currently do for imports.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  41. It has stated, “this proposed legislation would provide critical new tools for law enforcement, border services, and intelligence agencies to address transnational organized crime, auto theft, firearms and drug trafficking, and money laundering.” The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association supports the strong borders act for giving CBSA and law enforcement stronger tools to fight auto theft and stop stolen vehicles from being exported. Similarly, the Future Borders Coalition calls the bill a vital step towards modernizing border security, especially through improved data-sharing and offender travel notifications that enhance public safety.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  42. It would bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system, all while protecting Canadian privacy and charter rights. I strongly believe that Bill C-2 is exactly what Pickering—Brooklin needs, a step forward that reflects our values, meets the moment and secures a better future for our country. The Canadian Police Association, the largest law enforcement advocacy organization in Canada, has expressed support for the bill.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  43. From 2021 to 2023, vehicle theft in the region increased by 100%, with over 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in 2023 alone. In response, Durham Regional Police Service launched Project Attire, a dedicated unit focusing on auto theft investigations. In its first year, the project conducted 865 investigations, laid 341 charges and recovered over 50% of stolen vehicles. Despite these efforts, the region continues to face challenges, including a 13% increase in carjacking in 2024 alone. (1630) This is exactly what we are doing through the stronger borders act: The bill would keep Canadians safe by ensuring law enforcement has the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl and crackdown on money laundering.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  44. Let me be clear that this is not about halting progress; it is about redefining it: progress that respects our ecosystems, honours our commitment to future generations and prioritizes people over pavement. Progress also means security. Every single day, police and border service agents across the country put their life on the line to keep us safe. Day in and day out, law enforcement identifies, mitigates and neutralizes threats to our communities. On behalf of Canadians, I would like to thank law enforcement personnel for their service and for keeping us and our country safe. However, it is not enough to thank them for their work; we must give them the tools and resources they need to effectively do their job. Just looking at the data from Durham region alone, we see that the need for such measures is very clear.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  45. By supporting the purchase and preservation of the bay, we can protect its ecological integrity, expand public access and ensure that it remains a sanctuary for generations to come. This is not just a local priority; it is a national imperative. Healthy waterways and rich third places are the lifeblood of our environment, our economy and our collective heritage. Equally urgent is the fate of the federal lands, the Pickering airport lands. These lands must not sit idle. I will advocate fiercely for their transfer to the Rouge urban national alliance, ensuring that they become part of a protected green corridor that combats urban sprawl, mitigates climate change and guarantees sustainable growth.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  46. Pickering—Brooklin is a tapestry of natural beauty, growth and resilience. From the shores of Frenchman's Bay, Pickering's crown jewel, to the legacy of the Whitby sports park in Brooklin, our riding is a place where families build lives, businesses thrive and communities unite, but with growth comes responsibility. For decades I have fought at the local level to ensure that schools, neighbourhoods and services meet the needs of the people I serve. Today I bring that same tenacity to Ottawa. Let me begin with Frenchman's Bay, a treasure that defines Pickering's identity. This is a once-a-generation opportunity, and the federal government must partner with our community to secure its future.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  47. As I take my place in the chamber, I do so with deep awareness of the challenges and the responsibilities that lie ahead, not only for me personally but for all of us entrusted with public office. The people of Pickering—Brooklin, like so many Canadians, are proud of their communities, hopeful for their future and clear-eyed about the realities that we may confront. Among these, few issues are as urgent or as foundational to our national well-being as the safety and security of our borders and our neighbourhoods. These matters strike at the core of public trust, community confidence and national sovereignty. It is with this sense of purpose that I will address the critical importance of strengthening border security and enhancing public safety for the families and communities I am honoured to represent.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  48. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House for the first time in debate. I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and humility to represent the constituents of Pickering—Brooklin, a diverse and thriving community encompassing the entirety of the city of Pickering, as well as the northern region of Ajax and Whitby, including the vibrant community of Brooklin. I am deeply honoured by the trust the people have placed in me. This is not merely a privilege but also a solemn obligation. I pledge to discharge my duties with integrity and diligence and to bring the voices, aspirations and concerns of my constituents to the chamber with the same commitment that guided my many years of service as a school board trustee and as a city councillor.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  49. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the Seniors Month celebration in my riding of Pickering—Brooklin. This event brought together dozens of local seniors for an afternoon filled with live music, dancing, light refreshments and the presentation of the Senior of the Year award. It was a vibrant testament to the vital role that seniors play in enriching our community. Seniors are the backbone of our town, serving as volunteers, caregivers and lifelong contributors. I would like to ask the Secretary of State for Seniors what our government is doing to ensure that seniors, especially those on a fixed income, can age with dignity and security in communities like mine and across the country.

    SITTING 18 · 2025-06-17 · READ IN HANSARD

  50. I proudly support the Liberal government's “build Canada homes” plan to ensure affordability and meet the unprecedented housing demand and opportunities of the next generation. I am ready to stand up and—

    SITTING 4 · 2025-05-28 · READ IN HANSARD