Chi Nguyen
Spadina—Harbourfront, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Canada's housing market is going through a period of adjustment, but that does not change the reality that we are facing a structural housing supply shortage. Our government has been clear: We will build more homes faster and more boldly.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Winnipeg North . I rise today in the chamber in support of Bill C-26 , an act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the consolidated revenue fund for the purpose of improving housing supply.”
“In the greater Toronto area, new home sales fell to just over 5,300 units in 2025, which is the lowest level in more than 45 years. That slowdown has already led to job losses in the skilled trades and construction sector. These are the very workers Canada needs if we are going to build the houses people are counting on.”
“They share public space, rely on transit, walk to work, gather in parks, hang out at STACKT market, the Waterworks Food Hall, One Love market, Sugar Beach or The Island Cafe, and build community in ways that are deeply urban and deeply Canadian. In my riding, I see the beauty and possibility of density every day.”
“Ontario's removal of the full 13% HST for eligible buyers of new homes valued up to $1 million, for one year from April 2026 to March 2027, is one example of what this kind of partnership can make possible. Through Bill C-26 , our government has agreed to cover the 5% federal portion of that HST relief.”
“We could live in communities with less sprawl, stronger transit and more vibrant main streets. Vertical living can work when we plan for people instead of units. We see examples of this across our community.”
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“Mr. Speaker, every September, the streets of downtown Toronto in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront come alive with the magic of cinema. The Toronto International Film Festival is the world's largest public film festival, showcasing over 300 films and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from Canada and around the globe. This year, TIFF celebrated its 50th anniversary. I was honoured to attend the premiere of John Candy: I Like Me , a moving tribute to one of Canada's most beloved comedians. I am proud that our Liberal government is supercharging TIFF's global impact with a historic $23-million federal investment in its new content market, an industry initiative where international film, series and innovation sectors converge.”
“Mr. Speaker, I wanted to ask my hon. colleague about some of the elements of the bill, some of the progressive pieces there that he wanted to speak to in terms of the criteria around nation building and how he thought that might advance the opportunity to build a strong Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadian steel and aluminum are the best in the world, and our workers in those vital industries are second to none. However, we know that these vital sectors are facing very serious threats as a result of unjustified and illegal American tariffs. Can the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue update the House on how the government is supporting our world-class steel and aluminum producers during these turbulent times?”
“Mr. Speaker, I believe they should. I know that, in the meantime, while Bill C-3 is hopefully moving through the system, we have introduced interim measures to support those affected. Individuals born abroad before December 19, 2023, can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship under section 5(4) of the Citizenship Act. Those born after that date may also be eligible if their parents spent at least three years in Canada before their birth. We have also prioritized those virgin cases. This is how we are prioritizing and making sure that no one falls through the cracks at this time.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the colleague across the floor for her very thoughtful question, and I appreciate the time we worked together in the past promoting the space of women in politics and women in leadership. In terms of the services in the country supporting women as they come through their immigration experience, the federal government does support a wide range of programs that support the integration of newcomers, and their experience, with programs such as the HIPPY program, which is a federally funded and supported program. It is an example of the kind of supports that exist in our system.”
“Moreover, not every person who has become a citizen automatically through previous legislative amendments will choose to engage the department on their status and request documentation of the status. Between 2019 and 2023, inclusively, IRCC received an average of 48,000 applications for proof of citizenship certificates annually.”
“Mr. Speaker, in terms of how many people would be impacted by this legislation, the reality is that the majority of lost Canadian cases were remedied by the legislative amendments that were implemented in 2009 and 2015, with about 20,000 people either acquiring citizenship or having their citizenship restored through the amendment. The government has not tracked births abroad since the Citizenship Act came into force in 1977, so it is impossible to estimate the number of persons born abroad to Canadian citizens. The department only becomes aware of these individuals if they choose to engage with a department for services, for example, seeking proof of citizenship or a passport.”
“Let us be a country that does not forget. Let us be a country that welcomes, recognizes and belongs to those who belong to it. Let us pass Bill C-3 .”
“In a moment when our country is striving to build unity, Bill C-3 is a step in the right direction. It is a step towards closing historical gaps, recognizing families in their fullness and embracing all who carry Canada in their hearts, even if they were born outside our borders. This is how my parents built a life for my family. It is how I built a life for my children and how we can welcome home the lost Canadians. I am proud to be the member of Parliament for a riding that is a mosaic. Immigrants are the backbone of this country, and Spadina—Harbourfront is a place where dreams take shape every day. We hear multiple languages on the sidewalk. We see small business owners opening shops before sunrise. We feel the vibrancy of different cultures, faiths and histories woven together, not in spite of our difference, but because of them.”
“It is a promise that has shaped my own life and the lives of millions. To be Canadian means having access to our democratic institutions, to vote, to run for office and to contribute fully to public life. It means access to job opportunities, public services and, yes, a passport that opens doors around the world. More than that, citizenship is about identity; it is about saying that someone is one of us. (1525) When we arbitrarily deny that promise to people with deep, verifiable connections to Canada, we are not upholding the value of citizenship. Instead, we are undermining it. We cannot leave behind those who love this country, who are tied to it by family, service and sacrifice. These are Canadians, and it is time we recognize them as such.”
“After November 20, if Bill C-3 is not in force, there would be no limit to citizenship by descent for many people born to Canadians abroad. Without this bill, Canadian citizenship for many could be passed in perpetuity to future generations born outside Canada, regardless of their connection to our country. However, others would remain restricted by the first-generation limit. There are several groups who would not become citizens or have access to citizenship as a result of the court declaration taking effect before Bill C-3 comes into force. I am proud to stand with a government that has put forward this bill and is finally getting this right, because being Canadian is more than a legal status; it is a promise. It is a promise of belonging, of dignity and of equal opportunity.”
“This would include those who are currently not able to claim citizenship by descent, because of the first-generation limit. This would also include lost Canadians and their descendants. We know we cannot predict the number of children who would be born abroad when or after Bill C-3 is enacted. The current Citizenship Act will remain in force until this coming November. As Bill C-3 makes its way through the parliamentary process and the first-generation limit continues to be in force, IRCC has introduced an interim measure so that people impacted by the first-generation limit would have a pathway to citizenship. These are important steps while we work to enshrine these rights into law. What happens if this bill is not enacted?”
“Any child born abroad when or after Bill C-3 comes into force, to a Canadian citizen who was also born outside Canada, would be Canadian from birth if their parent can demonstrate that they have a substantial connection to Canada in the form of three years of physical presence in the country before the child's birth. This strikes a fair balance. It would protect the integrity of Canadian citizenship while recognizing that many Canadians live, work and raise families abroad but remain deeply connected to the country they call home. What about now? What about families who cannot wait? If enacted, once in force, the bill would extend automatic citizenship to anyone who was born outside the country to a Canadian parent before the legislation came into force.”
“They include the children of public servants posted abroad and people who lost their citizenship only because of technicalities. If enacted, this bill would extend automatic citizenship to anyone who was born outside the country to a Canadian parent before the legislation came into force and who is not currently able to claim citizenship by descent, because of the first-generation limit. Second, Bill C-3 would introduce a new framework for citizenship by descent beyond the first generation. Our proposed legislation would extend citizenship by descent beyond the first generation in a way that would be inclusive and uphold Canadian values.”
“However, those who inherited their citizenship by descent were not allowed to pass it on to their children born outside Canada. This rule, known as the first-generation limit, has created two tiers of Canadian citizenship. Bill C-3 would make two major changes to restore fairness and reflect our charter values. First, it would automatically restore or grant citizenship to individuals who lost it or were denied it due to outdated provisions, including the first-generation limit and the old rule that required people to apply to retain their citizenship by age 28. This includes lost Canadians, people who fell through the cracks of the law despite their deep connection to Canada through their parents and grandparents. They should never have been left out of our national fabric.”
“Being Canadian, for me, meant that I did not have to pay a $100,000 hospital bill to have my children. My boys have inherited something that so many around the world dream of: Canadian citizenship. It matters to me as a mom and as a member of Parliament representing over 41,000 immigrants in my riding of Spadina—Harbourfront. We must continue to protect Canadian values while ensuring that the pathway to getting citizenship is transparent. Finally, someone can become a citizen by descent. This is where Bill C-3 steps in. It addresses the much-needed changes in Canada's approach to citizenship. In the previous act, Canadians who were born in Canada or who became citizens through immigration could pass citizenship on to children born abroad.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide some clarity around a few of the measures included in Bill C-3 , an act to amend the Citizenship Act for 2025. Under the Citizenship Act, there are three ways to become a Canadian. First, people can immigrate to Canada to get Canadian status. This is the story of my parents. I am the proud daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. My family came to Canada with hopes of safety and opportunity for their children. Like countless newcomers, they worked hard to build a future with the promise of true belonging. They earned their Canadian citizenship the way many families have, through resilience, hope and a deep commitment to this country. Second, they can become a citizen by being born here. This is the story of my boys.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the fantastic question. They are all fantastic questions. I love being in the House. We are working to make sure those estimates are accurate. Numbers are changing rapidly with the pressure points, as we are in conversation around responding to the tariffs and as other elements have an impact on our global community. That work is under way. We will be delighted to come forward with that when the time is right, after we have done our homework to make sure that we can share this appropriately in the fall.”
“Mr. Speaker, I care deeply about the issue of making sure that we have the right infrastructure in place for our communities. This is what I heard about at the doors, with many young parents and family members thinking about their path and how they were going to build the child care required in our communities. We have firmed up our child care program. Seeing those commitments in place makes my heart sing, as I am a mom of two boys. We continue to make other investments in programs, such as in expanding dental care. These are components of how we build the infrastructure that supports and grows our economy, and it is the kind of thing I am very proud of as a Liberal member of Parliament.”
“Mr. Speaker, again I will reiterate that we are doing our work and thoughtfully preparing the estimates and work that is required to make sure that when we bring the budget forward in the fall, it has the right figures. There are many things at play at this particularly challenging time. After we do that work, we will be in the House to defend it and make sure that we table the numbers as appropriate.”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his past experience as an intern. I am glad to join him in these ranks. Our government is working hard to make sure that we are doing our homework and that we are prepared for a very thoughtful budget process in the fall, after we have continued the fantastic work of putting out legislation that is going to help Canadians today: a middle-class tax cut for 22 million Canadians, eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes valued up to $1 million and removing the consumer carbon price from law. These are measures and actions that we are taking immediately to support Canadians in the moment.”
“Let us all continue to work together to fight against the unjust tariffs and to make sure that we are taking clear steps to make life more affordable for Spadina—Harbourfront residents and all Canadians.”
“People need to be able to move, connect and thrive in the communities they call home. Accessible, climate-smart transit connects people to work, school, health care and each other. When we talk about nation building, we must mean more than roads and towers. Let us build homes people can afford. Let us build transit systems that reflect the future we want to live in. Equity builds our economy. Every home built generates local jobs. Every transit line unlocks new markets and new opportunities. I may be new to this chamber, but I am not new to this work. We are at a crossroads, and this is a moment that demands courage, care and clarity. I know the road ahead will not be easy, but I did not come here for easiness. I came here to build Canada strong. I came here to make an impact.”
“Every parent knows that child care is not a luxury; it is infrastructure. It is what makes everything else possible. If we want to build a resilient, thriving Canada, we must start with the people who are raising our future generations. That means making sure families have not just support, but stability, starting with a roof over their heads. Housing is more than real estate; it is belonging. In ridings like Spadina—Harbourfront, the crisis is urgent. It affects families, seniors, students and newcomers. It demands bold, coordinated national leadership. That is why our government has committed to doubling the pace of housing construction, a truly transformational and generational ambition. [ Translation ] We believe that housing is a human right, not just a commodity. [ English ] Housing alone is not enough.”
“We are suffering from the impact of unfair U.S. tariffs and threats to our economic sovereignty and to Canadian jobs. [ English ] This is not the Canada I want to leave to my kids. My mandate from Spadina—Harbourfront is clear: build an economy that works for everyone by putting equity at its heart. That is why I am proud to be serving as part of this new Liberal government. Affordable child care is economic infrastructure. For every dollar we invest, the return is measured in parents, especially mothers, re-entering the labour force, businesses gaining skilled talent and children gaining lifelong advantages. Our government’s $10-a-day child care program is one of the most transformational policies in decades. Equity builds our economy. When more women can work, GDP rises, tax revenue grows and families thrive.”
“Here, they found a home, a community that cared and a government compassionate enough to act, a government ready to invest in people, to build public systems and to make sure no one gets left behind. I grew up running through the parks of Spadina—Harbourfront, shopping on Queen West and finding hidden gems in our local restaurants. I now raise my boys, Sam and Ellis, in the same community. I want them to grow up in a country where equity is not charity; it is strategy. When we widen the circle of opportunity, we grow the economy for everyone. The values that define Canada, such as fairness, opportunity and diversity, demand that when one of us struggles, we all step up. [ Translation ] Despite this, families are struggling to find affordable housing. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, and wages are not keeping pace with inflation.”
“[ English ] I learned the power of collaboration as a parliamentary intern, learning from Libby Davies and the honourable Sheila Copps, and became a young staffer to former minister Carolyn Bennett, who taught me that good leaders ask good questions. These lessons guide me now, because real solutions start when we listen and build with people at the centre. I am the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. My family’s story, like those of so many across this country, began with hope. They left Vietnam dreaming of safety, dignity and opportunity for their children. They worked hard. They sacrificed. They built a life in a country that promised not only refuge, but belonging. Like so many newcomers, they gave back more than they ever took.”
“To my boys Sam and Ellis, the work I do each day is driven by my desire to create a better future for them, and this does not mean a bill for unlimited screen time. As I stand in this chamber, I am reminded of the first time I walked through these doors in 2001, over 20 years ago. I had just launched McGill University's “Women in House” program because I believed more women deserved a seat right here in this House. (1305) [ Translation ] Today, I am a member of a caucus that is nearly 40% women. We have made real progress on dental care, child care, pharmacare and programs that invest in our communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Kings—Hants . I am honoured to rise today for the first time to properly introduce myself as the proud member of Parliament for Spadina—Harbourfront. I thank my constituents for trusting me. In thousands of conversations during the campaign, they shared their stories, hopes and worries. I carry their voices with me every single day and will make sure that when decisions are made in this chamber, their voices are in the room and at the centre of all that I do. I thank the volunteers and my team, who gave up evenings and weekends and braved the unpredictable April weather. They proved what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and a love for this great country. I thank my husband Ian for being my champion, grounding me in my values and always being my home.”
“Mr. Speaker, my waterfront riding of Spadina—Harbourfront in downtown Toronto is proud to host many Canadian Armed Forces members, from the army to the air force and the navy. Every year, about 8,200 members are released from the Canadian Armed Forces, and roughly half of them are looking to start new careers. Can the Minister of Veterans Affairs share with us how the national veterans employment strategy is supporting veterans who are seeking new career opportunities?”