Ginette Lavack
St. Boniface—St. Vital, Manitoba · Liberal · Canada
“[ English ] Therefore, the bill would be further strengthened by including these thresholds in the preamble to ensure consistent application across the country. [ Translation ] Our government often speaks of its commitment to the safety and dignity of all Canadians, and these are not just empty words.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-263 , an act to establish a national framework for silver alerts. I would like to thank the member for Kildonan—St. Paul for bringing this important matter to the House for debate.”
“It alerts the public through TV, radio and wireless devices to life-threatening situations, such as tornados, fires and Amber alerts. In 2024 alone, 855 emergency alerts were issued across Canada. These alerts provide life-saving information during extreme weather or other critical events.”
“(1350) [ English ] Search and rescue operations are often led by local police services in coordination with provincial agencies and volunteer organizations. Whether a senior goes missing in a rural township or a dense urban core, the response must be immediate and tailored to that specific area or community.”
“If we expand the criteria for emergency broadcasts to include every instance of a missing senior when thousands of such incidents occur annually across this country, we run a very real risk of creating alert fatigue. If the public begins to perceive these alerts as routine, they may start to ignore them.”
“[ Translation ] It is estimated that nearly one million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030. We need to make sure that we have the right methods and tools in place to protect vulnerable people who may go missing, people like Earl Moberg, who inspired this bill and who serves as a poignant reminder of the very real consequences…”
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“[ English ] Therefore, the bill would be further strengthened by including these thresholds in the preamble to ensure consistent application across the country. [ Translation ] Our government often speaks of its commitment to the safety and dignity of all Canadians, and these are not just empty words. The government is determined to take concrete action to ensure everyone's safety. [ English ] It is because of our seniors that we have the great communities and country we have today. We owe it to them to keep them safe from danger. In conclusion, the government recognizes the merit in exploring a national approach to silver alerts. However, a national framework must be efficient, clear and non-duplicative. Therefore, with some amendments to streamline the bill and include clear thresholds, the government is prepared to support Bill C‑263 .”
“If we expand the criteria for emergency broadcasts to include every instance of a missing senior when thousands of such incidents occur annually across this country, we run a very real risk of creating alert fatigue. If the public begins to perceive these alerts as routine, they may start to ignore them. By overusing the emergency broadcast system, we would inadvertently weaken its effectiveness for everyone, including the very seniors this bill seeks to protect. [ Translation ] We must therefore ensure that alerts are only issued when necessary, in order to maintain the public's high level of responsiveness in the event of an emergency. Clear thresholds must first be established and would have to be met before such alerts are issued.”
“Guidance for consistent NPAS alerting, including missing vulnerable people, is already a topic of discussion with provinces and territories, and it is expected to be covered by this work. Bill C-263 could be strengthened by acknowledging this work and collaboration in its preamble. [ Translation ] For a notification system to be effective, it must be used judiciously and the parameters must be clear. [ English ] Canada already has a highly effective system for the direst circumstances, the Amber alert. The power of the Amber alert lies in its rarity. When that sound goes off on Canadians' phones, they know it is a life-or-death emergency involving a child in immediate danger.”
“(1350) [ English ] Search and rescue operations are often led by local police services in coordination with provincial agencies and volunteer organizations. Whether a senior goes missing in a rural township or a dense urban core, the response must be immediate and tailored to that specific area or community. The local authorities are the ones who have the on-the-ground knowledge to respond quickly and effectively. [ Translation ] Quebec has implemented a non-intrusive alert program that was announced in February 2026. It is an evidence-based program that alerts the public in non-intrusive ways, on social media, TV or radio, for example. [ English ] Budget 2025 committed to renewing the national public alerting system model to better support emergency alerting across Canada.”
“It alerts the public through TV, radio and wireless devices to life-threatening situations, such as tornados, fires and Amber alerts. In 2024 alone, 855 emergency alerts were issued across Canada. These alerts provide life-saving information during extreme weather or other critical events. [ Translation ] We need to make sure that any framework is developed in consultation with our provincial and territorial counterparts across the country so that it complements existing local protocols, rather than complicating or duplicating them. This step is crucial, considering that missing persons are an area of provincial and territorial jurisdiction. To date, no preliminary discussions have been held with the provinces and territories to determine whether they would even support such a framework.”
“[ Translation ] It is estimated that nearly one million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030. We need to make sure that we have the right methods and tools in place to protect vulnerable people who may go missing, people like Earl Moberg, who inspired this bill and who serves as a poignant reminder of the very real consequences if we do not get this right. [ English ] Bill C-263 proposes a national framework to support a coordinated silver alert system. Among other things, it seeks to use our existing national public alerting system to issue alerts when a vulnerable senior disappears. The federal, provincial and territorial governments already collaborate on Alert Ready, or the national public alerting system.”
“Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak to Bill C-263 , an act to establish a national framework for silver alerts. I would like to thank the member for Kildonan—St. Paul for bringing this important matter to the House for debate. [ Translation ] The safety of our seniors, especially those living with dementia or other cognitive impairments, is a priority for us all. [ English ] This is a topic that transcends party lines, and it is no exaggeration to say that dementia impacts every community across Canada. The silver alert concept is born from a place of genuine compassion and a desire to protect our most vulnerable citizens. We can all imagine the heartbreak and terror that families must feel when a loved one with a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's wanders away from home.”
“Madam Speaker, I have spoken to people in Portage—Lisgar and in Brandon, in my riding of Manitoba. I was at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce luncheon a few weeks ago, and all of those in the business community there, from all of the sectors, said that major investments are important. They said, “Keep doing what you're doing.” I was really, really proud to support PrairiesCan, the economic development agency in our region. It is giving financing to a number of projects with over $5 million through the tariff relief fund and the Prairies strategic innovation fund, which is supporting businesses doing great work on the ground. All of these people are going to get what they need to keep—”
“Madam Speaker, I must admit that, given the challenges we are currently facing, there is a tremendous amount of work to do. We, on this side of the House, are doing that work. We are investing in Canadians and in businesses. I was very proud to visit the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, where business owners told us that we are on the right track and asked us to continue making these investments, because they support them. We also want to create up to 100,000 jobs in the skilled trades to support all sectors of our industry. That is important.”
“Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. I have been visiting with people in my riding. I have been going door to door and attending community events. Although people still have concerns about affordability, they see our efforts and tell us we are on the right track. Today, more than 29,600 people in my riding will be better off because of the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. What is more, over 12,000 people in St. Boniface—St. Vital are enrolled in the dental care plan. The impacts are real.”
“Their accomplishments inspire us, and I have no doubt this is only the beginning of what they will achieve. I congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great pride to recognize an extraordinary group of young girls from my riding of St. Boniface—St. Vital, Team Bison. These five students recently competed in the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton. In their fourth consecutive year at the fair, they earned a bronze medal as well as several prestigious awards and scholarships. As someone who believes deeply in the potential of young people, I am especially proud of what they accomplished. Their curiosity, hard work and passion for discovery are inspiring. They are helping show the next generation of girls that they belong in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Their example reminds us of the importance of continuing to support and empower women and girls in these fields. I thank Team Bison for making our community proud.”
“We must continue working in partnership with indigenous communities to end this national crisis and ensure the safety of indigenous women and girls. Today, we remember, we listen and we act.”
“Mr. Speaker, today on Red Dress Day, we honour the memory of missing and murdered indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. [ Translation ] Across the country, and especially in Manitoba, this tragedy continues to affect families, communities, and entire generations. Every red dress represents a life, a story, and a profound loss. [ English ] Last fall, I had the honour of attending the announcement of the Manitoba red dress alert pilot project, led by the group Giganawenimaanaanig, which means “we all take care of them”. This important initiative reflects the commitment of communities to raising awareness, commemorating and advancing justice. While this work is essential, much work remains.”
“Mr. Speaker, one year ago, I had the immense privilege of being elected to represent the people of Saint‑Boniface—Saint‑Vital, and it is my honour to do so to this day. Since then, we have advanced concrete priorities: more accessible housing, investments that support our businesses and create good jobs and measures to help families cope with the cost of living. What matters to me more than announcements and results is being present on the ground, listening to people and serving them. I see it as my job to help people navigate federal services and to speak on behalf of our community in Ottawa. I would like to applaud the leadership of the right hon. Prime Minister , who is enabling us to deliver concrete results for our communities. One year in, we are just getting started.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think that what sets the commissioner apart in this situation is the fact that their one and only task will be to monitor treaties. That will create an ongoing dialogue on the monitoring of each treaty. In other cases, people look over a report and move on to the next one. No continuous monitoring is done to ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and that real progress is made on these advances.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we have heard, despite the efforts currently in place, there seems to be systemic issues that we are trying to resolve. With the implementation of a specific commissioner tasked solely with educating government departments about the implications of treaties, their implementation and what is needed, that ongoing oversight conversation, development and education across the board would really help to put the necessary resources in the right places to move these things forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, what we have seen repeatedly through the testimony that we heard was the need for this independent distinctive body that has the knowledge and expertise to oversee the implementation of these modern treaties. Furthermore, the Auditor General is on one review and then on to the next audit and the next audit. An independent commissioner tasked with only looking at modern treaties would also be able to help educate departments across government, which all have obligations to follow through. That ongoing relationship, as well as communication between departments and the commissioner, would really help to realize the full extent of these treaties.”
“Mr. Speaker, I believe that Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and all departments in this government are doing the work of implementing these modern treaties to the best of their extent. However, there are numerous modern treaties and risks of even more significant new ones being signed. We need help to do the work effectively.”
“It responds to more than 20 years of calls from modern treaty partners for greater accountability and oversight. It delivers on our commitments in Canada's collaborative modern treaty implementation policy. It reflects the combined co-development efforts of Canada and modern treaty partners, and it strengthens the foundation for a renewed relationship between the Crown and indigenous people. Modern treaties drive social, cultural and economic growth. They are a key thread in Canada's constitutional fabric. They create economic opportunities for indigenous partners and all people in Canada, including on projects relevant to the One Canadian Economy Act, which integrated indigenous leadership into national infrastructure and climate planning. They are essential to building a stronger, more resilient country.”
“At committee, indigenous leaders spoke favourably about the proposed legislation. They positively described the co-development process. They emphasized that the bill reflects decades of advocacy. They spoke about the commissioner's ability to strengthen relationships, improve coordination across departments and help prevent disputes from escalating to litigation. They also highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach and the need for consistent, specialized oversight, which is something the Auditor General, with a broad mandate, cannot provide. These perspectives reflect a shared belief that the commissioner is a needed institution, one that modern treaty partners have consistently called for over the past two decades. This legislation represents a key milestone.”
“Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated stated, “The creation of a Commissioner...demonstrates a real step towards genuine collaboration from Canada.” The Tłı̨chǫ Government said that this is an exciting moment and that their hard work has paid off. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations met with modern treaty leadership to review the revisions. Partners expressed strong support and urged Canada to move forward quickly. Legislation to create a commissioner was introduced in October 2024. Although prorogation of Parliament paused the legislative process, indigenous modern treaty partners consistently called for the reintroduction of this legislation. They want this legislation passed. They helped build it, and they see it as a major step forward in strengthening the treaty relationship.”
“The consultations took place between May and July of 2024. In total, more than 100 proposed changes were submitted. Several themes emerged. Indigenous partners must be involved in the commissioner's work at the same level as federal institutions. Stronger consultation requirements were needed throughout the legislation, including with the independent review process. The commissioner's mandate needed to clearly include agreements that supported modern treaties, such as self-government and fiscal arrangements. These insights shaped the proposed legislation before us. Partners have been clear in their support.”
“At the second annual Intergovernmental Leaders' Forum in May of 2024, the Prime Minister announced the intention to establish an independent oversight body led by a commissioner for modern treaty implementation, an agent of Parliament. This marked a significant shift in the modern treaty relationship, reflecting a shared commitment to accountability and partnership. Following that announcement, the draft legislative proposal was shared with more than 130 partners, including modern treaty partners, groups negotiating modern treaties, self-government partners, national indigenous organizations, regional organizations, provincial and territorial governments and others. The goal was simple: to ensure that every partner with an interest in the commissioner's work had the opportunity to engage on this legislation.”
“The commissioner would provide whole-of-government independent oversight to improve awareness, understanding and action across the federal public service of modern treaty obligations, objectives and relationships. (1625) To support this, the commissioner's core functions would include reviews, performance audits and briefings. That is why the structure of the commissioner matters. The role was designed to be independent, with the ability to look across departments, identify and analyze systemic issues and provide clear public reporting to Parliament. Grounded in this co-development design and shared set of principles, the next step was to move forward with establishing the commissioner.”
“Partners who preferred other engagement methods were consulted through their own chosen approaches. Key principles guided this work together. The commissioner was designed to be an independent body that reports to Parliament and holds government to account, with a mandate focused specifically on modern treaties. It is grounded in independence, objectivity, impartiality and expert knowledge, with the authority to require departments to provide the information necessary to carry out its mandate. In terms of scope, the commissioner was designed to address persistent challenges in awareness, understanding and action on modern treaty implementation across all federal departments and agencies by providing independent and expert oversight.”
“Nicole Rempel of K'ómoks First Nation highlighted that “Implementation determines whether governance functions effectively and whether economic development can proceed with confidence” and underscored the importance of predictability and addressing issues early. These stories reflect a pattern seen across modern treaty nations. While commitments are negotiated in good faith, there is still work to do to strengthen consistency in how they are implemented and to fully realize their intended benefits. In March 2023, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada began a focused co-development effort with modern treaty partners. Much of this work took place through the modern treaty implementation policy working group, which brought together representatives from most of the 27 modern treaties and federal officials.”
“In 2008, the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples urged the government to work with indigenous partners to establish an independent commission, through legislation, to oversee the implementation of modern treaties. That history and effort that began over 20 years ago is what led to the co-development process that produced the legislation before us today. At the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs during study of Bill C-10 , indigenous leaders described how these long-standing challenges continue to show up in practice. Chief Troy Sam, chief councillor of the Kitsumkalum Band Council, reminded that “implementation is not theoretical” and that it affects on-the-ground decisions regarding lands, resources and governance every day.”
“In 1982, the Constitution affirmed the rights of indigenous peoples and recognized that future agreements, including modern treaties, would continue to define those rights. However, challenges persisted. The 1996 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples found that Canada lacked the structures needed to oversee treaty implementation and recommended to create an implementation office to support the renewed relationship. For over 20 years, calls for stronger oversight grew louder. In 2003, the Land Claims Agreements Coalition was formed, and shortly thereafter began to advocate for an independent oversight body.”
“We acknowledge those truths as part of our shared journey of reconciliation. A new era began in 1973 with the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in the Calder case. The Nisga'a Tribal Council sought recognition of their title to their homelands. After the case was dismissed on a technicality, the court affirmed that aboriginal title existed before colonialization. That recognition pushed Canada to create its first land claims policy. This shift set the stage for the first modern treaty, the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The Cree and Inuit negotiated this agreement after Hydro-Québec attempted to develop their lands without consultation. The treaty acknowledged their rights and created a new model for treaty-making in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, kwe kwe , ullukkut , taanshi , bonjour , hello. [ English ] Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that Canada's Parliament is located on the unceded and unsurrendered traditional territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin people. To understand the opportunity before us today, we need to look honestly at the history that brought us here. For centuries, treaties have been the foundation of that relationship. In the 18th century, the peace and friendship treaties were meant to restore stability after conflict. Later, treaties signed after 1763 opened much of this country to non-indigenous settlement in exchange for specific rights and benefits, such as annuities, reserve lands and commitments. These agreements, now known as the historic treaties, were followed by decades of colonial policies.”
“Mr. Speaker, at the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, we have often heard about how important it was to include indigenous people in the drafting of this bill. Can my colleague tell us why that was so important? Can he explain how that process actually worked and explain how drafting the bill in co-operation with indigenous people made it so robust?”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association. Founded through the vision and leadership of first nation and Métis leaders, NACCA has built a national network of 51 indigenous financial institutions, expanding access to capital for indigenous entrepreneurs and serving every province and territory. In the 1990s, pioneering organizations such as the Alberta Indian Investment Corporation, Indian Business Corporation, Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, Société de crédit commercial autochtone, Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation and Ulnooweg Development Group laid the foundation for this movement. Last year, their work generated $377 million in labour income and over $640 million in GDP, while strengthening community well-being.”
“In the end, what matters is that French is alive and well. Although it is a few days after the fact, let us take some time to proudly, enthusiastically and joyfully celebrate our francophone community.”
“Mr. Speaker, March 20 was the International Day of La Francophonie. In honour of the occasion, I want to draw the House's attention to the vitality and resilience of francophone communities across the country, especially those in Manitoba. French is alive and well in every part of the province. We see it at our festivals, we hear it in our schools and we experience it in our organizations, businesses and communities. Of course, I am especially proud of my riding of St. Boniface—St. Vital, where we can see, every day, through our culture, creativity and sense of community that French is thriving. The French language continues to evolve with us within open, diverse and forward-looking communities. People can live in French, work in French, laugh in French and, yes, sometimes even stumble over their words in French.”
“The Festival du Voyageur is the largest francophone cultural event in Manitoba and western Canada. My heartfelt thanks go out to the organizers, artists and volunteers. Hey ho!”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to the 57th Festival du Voyageur, which just wrapped up in Winnipeg. Created to honour the legacy of the voyageurs and to celebrate western Canada's francophone community, this festival embodies a spirit of courage, solidarity and pride. The voyageur spirit is what brings nation builders together in the dead of winter to celebrate their culture and pass it down with passion. For close to 60 years, this event has brought thousands of people together to enjoy music, history, food and jaw-dropping snow sculptures. This year, more than 70,000 festival-goers braved the cold. More than 200 artists took to the stage, from the festival's grand opening to the Valentine's Day celebrations, ending with Louis Riel Day.”
“[ English ] Black History Month is strongest when it is rooted in community. [ Translation ] Through the efforts of these organizations, celebration becomes education, dialogue and social cohesion. I thank them for their leadership and commitment.”
“Mr. Speaker, as Black History Month comes to a close, we are reminded that meaningful celebration does not happen on its own. It happens because strong community organizations carry that work forward year after year. In my riding, two outstanding organizations are doing exactly that. The Black History Month Celebration Committee has been a pillar in Winnipeg since 1981. It continues to lead Manitoba's largest Black History Month celebrations, bringing together thousands to honour the history, achievements and contributions of Black Manitobans. [ Translation ] Noir et fier, an initiative of Wilgis Agossa, together with its partners, created an inclusive francophone space that celebrates Black voices, promotes intercultural dialogue and puts young people front and centre.”
“He is deservedly proud of the work that the Government of Canada did to make real progress and investments in reconciliation when he was an MP and minister. To many of his former staffers, he is still the boss. To his family, he is the devoted pepère . [ Translation ] To me, he is a friend. Thank you, Dan.”
“Mr. Speaker, my predecessor as MP for St. Boniface—St. Vital, the first minister of northern affairs and the first indigenous cabinet member from Manitoba, the hon. Dan Vandal, is in the gallery today with his wife, Brigitte. [ Translation ] One of eight children, Dan left high school to become one of Canada's top professional boxers. He then earned a bachelor's degree in social work. When he realized that the young people he worked with needed more resources, he became a city councillor in order to get them funding. [ English ] Dan's impact, nationally, regionally and locally, has been definitive. It includes the Nunavut devolution, the port of Churchill and the Musée de Saint-Boniface.”
“During these 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, let us stand together and act with urgency, because every alert matters, every minute matters and every life matters.”
“Mr. Speaker, when indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people go missing, delays cost lives. Every minute matters. Last week, I had the honour of attending, on behalf of the Minister of Crown and Indigenous Relations , the launch of the report of Manitoba's indigenous-led red dress alert pilot program. The organization, Giganawenimaanaanig, which translates as “we all take care of them”, led the engagement sessions and the development of this important report, which lays the groundwork for a holistic safety framework, providing rapid response, trauma-informed support and resources for families and communities. I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Sandra DeLaronde for her leadership and dedication, along with all the community members who contributed to this life-saving initiative.”
“[ Translation ] Today, we pay tribute to his extraordinary legacy and extend our sincere condolences to his family, his community and all those he inspired. [ English ] May his stories continue to guide and uplift us.”
“Mr. Speaker, last week, Manitoba's theatre community suffered a profound and heartbreaking loss with the sudden passing of Ian Ross, the celebrated Métis Ojibway playwright, storyteller and educator, at the age of 57. Rooted in Winnipeg, Ian reshaped Canadian theatre. His groundbreaking play, fareWel , a dark, courageous comedy set on a fictional first nations reserve, earned him the Governor General's Award for English Drama, making him the first indigenous playwright to ever receive that honour. His work travelled as far as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and touched audiences across the country. Through his work, he challenged us to see this country more clearly, with humour, honesty and unflinching humanity. His voice became iconic through “Joe from Winnipeg”, a character whose wit and warmth became a part of our cultural memory.”
“[ English ] On behalf of the House, I pay tribute to Louis Riel and his enduring vision for our country. May this day always remind us of the strength and resilience of the Red River Métis nation.”
“Mr. Speaker, November 16 commemorates the memory of Louis Riel, a visionary leader, the founder of Manitoba and a Father of Confederation. [ Translation ] On Sunday, I had the honour of joining the Prime Minister in attending the ceremony for the 140th anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel. Over a century after one prime minister betrayed Louis Riel, it is particularly significant that another prime minister is now choosing to fully honour him. Louis Riel reminds us that the fight for justice and equality is still relevant today. His legacy lives on in St. Boniface and across Canada and inspires our commitment to respect, partnership and reconciliation with the Métis nation. I want to commend the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Union nationale métisse Saint‑Joseph du Manitoba for their hard work in keeping his memory alive.”
“Mr. Speaker, we put indigenous children, families and essential services first. The new government is innovating to better serve Canadians by improving efficiencies and by coordinating across all departments, but the federal government has a distinct duty to indigenous people and a key opportunity to strengthen a renewed, respectful relationship. That is why the priority in budget 2025 is to protect critical services like water, housing and infrastructure in community and to ensure that changes made strengthen service delivery.”
“Madam Speaker, we know that indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people continue to face violence at rates that are deeply disproportionate. This reality is rooted in generations of colonial policies, systemic discrimination and underinvestment in indigenous communities. The calls for justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls remind us that responding to this crisis is not optional; it is a human rights obligation. Our government takes this seriously and remains firmly—”
“Mr. Speaker, the great French playwright Molière once opined, “The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit”. If that is so, the Théâtre Cercle Molière must have some mouth-watering fruit in store for us after just celebrating its 100th anniversary. More than an anniversary, this centenary is living proof of the strength, resilience and creative genius of Franco-Manitoban culture. Last week, I had the privilege of attending “Le Siècle Molière” gala, a stunning celebration of the oldest theatre still operating in Canada, a true pillar of francophone artistic life in the Prairies. For a century now, the Théâtre Cercle Molière has been thrilling audiences, training generations of performers and showcasing our communities with a spirit, boldness and passion worthy of the illustrious Molière himself.”