Amanpreet Gill
Calgary Skyview, Alberta · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Edmonton Gateway , a former wrestler whom I respect a lot. I rise today to speak in strong opposition to Bill C‑9 , legislation that threatens some of the most fundamental freedoms protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: freedom of religion and freedom of ex…”
“The result of the bill would be that people of faith could face criminal prosecutions for the simple act of quoting, discussing or teaching from their own sacred texts. Canadians should be concerned by this possibility.”
“The same is true for Christians and the Bible, Hindus and the Bhagavad-Gita, Muslims and the Quran, and members of many other faith communities. This issue is not about one religion. It is about protecting the rights of all religions.”
“Schools, museums, historians, journalists, artists and researchers often study symbols in ways that are uncomfortable but very important. Canadians should never have to wonder whether legitimate expression could expose them to investigation, prosecution or legal uncertainty.”
“Under Canada's current hate speech laws, there is an important safeguard in the Criminal Code that provides a defence against prosecution for the promotion of hatred when a person expresses, in good faith, an argument or opinion on a religious subject or belief based on a religious text.”
“They should be free to teach their faith, discuss their beliefs and quote their sacred texts without wondering whether it could result in criminal investigation. These rights belong to all Canadians, regardless of political affiliation or religious background.”
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“Mr. Speaker, I respect the member from the Bloc. Conservatives condemn those kinds of actions and those kinds of attacks. If the Bloc asks why safeguards do not give us insurance, the exemption clause provides the safeguard Canadians deserve instead of trying to add more small fixes in fine print. I would ask members of the Bloc to support us.”
“Mr. Speaker, Conservatives condemn those kind of actions. The bill would not stop at addressing incidents like this. The bill is an overreacting attack on the freedom of religious rights and an attack on all Canadians. I would like to request that the members from across support us and vote no on the bill, so Canadians can unite.”
“Mr. Speaker, I absolutely believe in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In fact, that is why we are raising these concerns and presenting amendments. We have the solution. The Liberals can adopt it, and the country would be more united.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member's accusations of misinformation are disappointing and do little to address any concerns being raised by Canadians. In the past decade of Liberal rule, the country has only become more divided. Ethnic violence between immigrants and the division we have seen in Alberta, the division we have seen between new Canadians, are just because of the Liberals' policies. Even Bill C-9 would create more division than it would bring Canadians together.”
“That is why Conservatives will stand up for people of faith, for freedom of expression, for freedom of religion and for the Charter of Rights that Canadians cherish. Conservatives will fight against this attack on our freedoms. We will defend the constitutional right that the government is attempting to take away. We will continue to stand with Canadians who believe that faith, freedom and democracy must always be protected.”
“They should be free to teach their faith, discuss their beliefs and quote their sacred texts without wondering whether it could result in criminal investigation. These rights belong to all Canadians, regardless of political affiliation or religious background. Conservatives believe that Canada can fight hate while still protecting fundamental freedoms. These goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, our legal system has long recognized the importance of balancing both. Bill C‑9 abandons that balance. It would remove a safeguard that the Supreme Court recognized as important. It would create uncertainty for faith communities across the country, and it would risk people's religious expression without providing any meaningful improvement to public safety.”
“It would not protect vulnerable communities from genuine threats. Those who advocate violence are already subject to criminal penalties. Nothing in the current law prevents authorities from prosecuting individuals who engage in criminal conduct. Instead, Bill C‑9 would risk threatening lawful expression rather than unlawful actions. That is a dangerous path for any democracy. Freedom of expression is not meant to protect only popular opinions. It is not meant to protect only views that government approves of. It exists to protect the ability of Canadians to express opinions, beliefs and convictions without fear of state punishment. The same principle applies to freedom of religion. Canadians should be free to worship according to their beliefs.”
“The same is true for Christians and the Bible, Hindus and the Bhagavad-Gita, Muslims and the Quran, and members of many other faith communities. This issue is not about one religion. It is about protecting the rights of all religions. Once government begins restricting religious expression, every faith community has reason to be concerned. What makes this legislation even more troubling is the attitude some Liberals have shown toward religious texts. Canadians have every right to ask what happens when legal protections for religious expression are removed while Liberal voices describe portions of sacred texts as hateful. The government argues that this legislation is necessary to address hate. However, removing the safeguard would not make Canadians safer. It would not stop violent criminals or prevent acts of hatred.”
“The result of the bill would be that people of faith could face criminal prosecutions for the simple act of quoting, discussing or teaching from their own sacred texts. Canadians should be concerned by this possibility. Whether someone is quoting from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, the Bhagavad‑Gita or another holy text, they should not have to fear that expressing their religious belief could expose them to criminal liability. (1340) As a Sikh, I find this issue especially troubling. Sikhs came here seeking opportunity, freedom and the ability to practise their faith openly. Like many faith communities, we rely on our holy teachings as a guide for moral and spiritual life. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is central to Sikh faith and identity. The freedom to discuss its teachings is fundamental.”
“Schools, museums, historians, journalists, artists and researchers often study symbols in ways that are uncomfortable but very important. Canadians should never have to wonder whether legitimate expression could expose them to investigation, prosecution or legal uncertainty. One of the most troubling aspects of Bill C‑9 is its proposed expansion of Criminal Code provisions related to hate speech and hate propaganda. The government claims that the bill would target only extreme forms of hatred, yet history teaches us that when governments are given broader power to regulate speech, those powers rarely remain limited to the most obvious offenders. Freedom of expression is not a privilege granted by the government but a fundamental freedom protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
“The court understood that freedom of religion and freedom of expression are essential pillars of a free, democratic society. It recognized that without safeguards, hate speech laws could become vulnerable to constitutional challenge because they risk criminalizing legitimate religious expression. That is why the religious freedom defence exists. It was not by accident. It was included because lawmakers understood that protecting freedom of religion is just as important as fighting hate. Bill C‑9 seeks to remove this safeguard. Bill C‑9 proposes new offences related to the promotion of hatred and the public display of certain symbols. The meaning of a symbol can vary depending on the circumstance in which it is displayed.”
“Under Canada's current hate speech laws, there is an important safeguard in the Criminal Code that provides a defence against prosecution for the promotion of hatred when a person expresses, in good faith, an argument or opinion on a religious subject or belief based on a religious text. Many Canadians may not realize that this defence is very limited. It does not apply to threats, advocacy of genocide or any criminal conduct under the Criminal Code. In other words, the current law already strikes a careful balance; Canadians remain free to discuss, teach and express their religious beliefs in good faith, while those who engage in genuine criminal behaviour remain subject to prosecution. The Supreme Court of Canada recognized the importance of this balance.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Edmonton Gateway , a former wrestler whom I respect a lot. I rise today to speak in strong opposition to Bill C‑9 , legislation that threatens some of the most fundamental freedoms protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Let me begin by stating something clearly. Conservatives condemn hatred, racism, religious unfairness and violence in all forms. Every Canadian, regardless of faith, ethnicity, background or identity, deserves to live safely, worship freely and participate fully in our society without fear. The question before us is not whether hate should be condemned but whether the government should weaken fundamental freedoms in the process. Unfortunately, that is exactly what Bill C‑9 would do.”
“Mr. Speaker, under the Liberal Prime Minister , Canada has become the only country in the G20 in a recession. Businesses are no longer investing in Canada. Even the banks have lost faith. Scotiabank and BMO are projecting growth at less than half of that of the United States. The first step to fixing any problem is admitting that there is one. Will the Liberal Prime Minister admit to Canadians that we are in a recession, or will he continue to tell them they are only technically suffering after a decade of Liberal rule?”
“I invite all members to join me in congratulating the director of operations Raj Sidhu, the entire DCC committee, all volunteers and the Sikh community of Calgary on this joyous occasion. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”
“Mr. Speaker, with over 100,000 people expected to gather in Calgary this week, the Nagar Kirtan, organized by the Dashmesh Culture Centre gurdwara, stands as one of the most anticipated Sikh celebrations in our country. It is a powerful public expression of faith, humility and the principle of seva, which is selfless service to all of humanity. Led by President Harpal Singh Grewal, the DCC has built a legacy of service that extends far beyond celebration. Through their no hungry tummy initiative and food bank operations, they feed thousands of Calgarians facing food insecurity, regardless of background, belief or faith. The DCC reminds us that true faith is expressed not only in prayers, but in action by showing up for neighbours in need.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister claims affordability has never been better, but Canadians know the truth: Food bank use has skyrocketed, rent has nearly doubled, and families are paying more for groceries, gas and housing. After 10 years of Liberal inflation, everything costs us more, yet the Prime Minister is adding billions of dollars in reckless spending, driving up debt and the cost of living. Canadians are paying $3,000 each year just to cover that debt. When will the Liberals get spending under control so Canadians can afford to live again?”
“Canadians and newcomers deserve better, and the Liberal government must be held accountable for the division and the broken promises, and for the damage it has done to this country's social fabric.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians are concerned. The Liberals' uncontrolled immigration policies have divided our communities and led to an increase in discrimination. We are seeing the consequences in real time: housing shortages, strained health care and rising costs for everyday Canadians. The Liberals created this, and Canadians are paying for it. The Canadian dream that I and so many others came here chasing, the promise of opportunity, belonging and a better life, is no longer being fulfilled. The Liberals' reckless mismanagement has not just failed to plan; it has also given hate a place to grow. That is the Liberals' legacy: a country more divided than a decade ago.”
“Mr. Speaker, extortion is up 330% since the Liberals took office. Small business owners in places like Brampton, Surrey, Vancouver and my home of Calgary are being threatened. Families are being shot at and firebombed, and the Liberals have done nothing. Even the Premier of B.C. has said that the Liberals must stop criminals from gaining refugee status. Will the Liberals support our motion to protect communities by ensuring that convicted criminals cannot use refugee status to stay in Canada, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, last week there was an amendment in committee that the Liberal Party opposed. It took them almost 10 years to come up with something, which is so weak. We fully disagree with the member opposite. We have to come up with stronger laws that will protect Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have come across so many police officers. They are doing their job, but in this judicial system, while the police are still filing their complaints, the criminals are getting out on bail. This is where we have to work to change the laws. The member for Oxford brought forward Bill C-242 on jail not bail for criminals, and that is where we have to work together to tackle these criminals.”
“Mr. Speaker, Conservatives are not blocking the asylum system; we are just saying that we have to keep the criminals away. In the extortions in B.C., all the criminals who were caught by police claimed asylum, and that is what we have to change. We know that once criminals apply for asylum, they will have a few years and will keep doing crimes, making our streets unsafe. We want safe streets for Canadians, and that is what our approach is.”
“Mr. Speaker, the answer is the same: We need a foreign registry. The Liberals have been talking about this for a very long time. I think it was passed in 2024. We need all foreign agencies to register here; that is the only way we can tackle them. I know trade deals are important, but Canadian lives also matter. That is what I would let the Liberals know. Just get some action done.”
“We believe in strong laws. We believe in real consequences for serious crimes. Our plan is clear: Stop extortion with real jail time, end catch-and-release bail, keep violent offenders behind bars, support police with real resources, and protect families, workers and small business owners. We are ready to work with anyone who wants to fix this crisis. We will not stay silent while Canadians live in fear. After 10 years of failures, Canadians have had enough: enough excuses, enough delays and enough crime. It is time to stop the extortion crisis. It is time to change the law. It is time to put communities first.”
“Labelling a gang means nothing if criminals are still being released on bail. It means nothing if sentences are weak. It means nothing if police lack resources. Canadians do not want words; they want safety, and they want action. When the Prime Minister visited the Lower Mainland, he had a chance to listen, a chance to meet victims, a chance to meet business owners and a chance to meet police officers. Instead he took a walk on a pier. He did not show up. He did not listen. He did not lead. That is not leadership; that is abandonment. Communities are crying for help. Parents are worried about their children. Families are scared to speak up. Business owners are wondering if tomorrow will be the day their store is attacked. This is not the Canada we know. This is not the Canada we want. Conservatives believe in safe streets.”
“They are overworked, they are under-resourced and the government has left them to deal with a crime wave of its own making. The government has also failed at the borders. Under Liberal policies, 18,000 known criminals were allowed into Canada with no proper background checks and no serious screenings, reckless decisions that put Canadians at risk. Now we see the results: organized crime networks growing stronger, extortion rings spreading fear, and gangs operating with confidence. After building pressure from the Conservatives, the government recently labelled the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity. That was the right step, but it is only one step. We have to see what is behind it. Our own agencies, like CSIS and the RCMP, are saying that it is foreign interference. Why are the Liberals ignoring this?”
“(1200) The Liberals had a chance to protect Canadians, but what did they do? They went against us again and again. They killed Conservative bill after Conservative bill. They blocked the protection against extortion act . They made excuses, delayed and did nothing. They even opposed stronger self-defence laws, like the “castle law”, as our leader mentioned weeks ago. They opposed fixing bail. Last week the Liberals opposed deporting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes like extortion. At every step, they have chosen criminals over communities. The Liberals say they support police, but the facts are the other way around. The Minister of Public Safety has not hired a single new RCMP officer. He even said it is not his job. Police forces across the country are stretched thin.”
“We believe arson should count as an aggravating factor. Burning down a business is not a small crime; it is an act of terror. These measures send a simple message that if someone extorts Canadians, they will go to jail for a long time. Instead, Liberal policies allowed for a recent sentencing decision that undermined public confidence in the justice system. In a troubling case of extortion in Calgary, the offenders received an 18-month conditional sentence of which six months was to be served under house arrest. It was a very light outcome, given the gravity of the crime. The Canadian victim was pressured to repay more than $200,000 tied to third party illegal gambling and was shown images of chopped-up body parts in an attempt to intimidate them. This is what the Liberals' soft-on-crime policies allow.”
“They have chosen to side with criminals over communities. Their bills, including Bill C-5 and Bill C-75 , weakened the justice system. They removed mandatory jail time for serious crimes, made it easier for violent offenders to get bail and forced judges to release repeat offenders back onto our streets. The result was more crime, more violence and more fear. Extortionists know that the system is weak, risk is low and punishment is light, so they keep offending again and again. The government talks a lot about being tough, but talk does not stop extortion. Action does. Conservatives have brought forward real solutions, clear common-sense solutions. We have proposed restoring mandatory jail time for extortion to three years for a conviction, four years if a gun is involved and five years if it is linked with organized crime.”
“Across Canada, small businesses owners are getting threats. They are told to pay money or face violence. They are told their stores will be burned. They are told their homes will be shot at. They are told their children will be harmed. This is happening in Brampton, Surrey, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg. It is happening throughout Canada. In Surrey alone, there have already been over 100 reported cases this year, and police tell us that many more go unreported. People are too scared to come forward. When people are afraid to call the police, when families are afraid to open their doors and when business owners are afraid to go to work, it is a crisis, yet the government continues to do nothing. Instead of taking action, the Liberals have chosen a soft-on-crime approach and catch-and-release laws.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a very serious issue that is spreading fear in our communities and that the government has failed to stop. That issue is extortion. For 10 years now under the Liberal government, crime has gone up. Violent crime is up. Gun crimes are up. Extortion has exploded across Canada. Since the Liberals took power, extortion is up 330% nationwide. In British Columbia, it is up over 480%. In Vancouver alone, extortion cases have risen by more than 330%. These are not just numbers; they are real people, families and small business owners who live in fear every single day. Extortion is not a victimless crime. It is not just a phone call or a threat. It is a crime that terrorizes families, shatters lives and forces people to choose between their safety and their savings.”
“Mr. Speaker, three years ago the finance minister promised to stabilize food prices. He failed. Since then, the cost of lettuce is up 40%. Beef is up 27%. Baby formula is up 14%. Canada has the highest food inflation in the G7. Every month, 2.2 million Canadians are visiting food banks. Canadians are struggling. We want results. Will the Liberals support our motion for a food affordability plan that removes the industrial carbon tax and the fuel standard tax, and increases competition in grocery stores, yes or no?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister admits that the vast majority of illegal firearms used in crime come from across our border, yet instead of stopping those guns, the Liberals are pushing a billion-dollar gun grab scheme that targets the wrong people. In Calgary, hunters, ranchers and sport shooters who follow the law are being punished, while violent criminals walk free. Law-abiding Canadians are not the threat; the criminals are. While our city faces rising gun violence, the Liberals refuse to fix the border disorder that lets in nearly all illegal guns. Gun crime is up 130% because of their catch-and-release bail system in Bill C-75 and reduced penalties for gun offences in Bill C-5 . The buyback will not stop criminals or smuggling; it only targets responsible citizens.”
“Mr. Speaker, these taxes are killing Canadian markets, the small shop owners and the small farmers. Because of these taxes, we see lots of young farmers, even a farmer I met the day before yesterday, saying the same thing: If we can get rid of the taxes, we can save the industry.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very concerning. I have been talking to the farmers and the truckers and they are all feeling the same pain. The tax on the fuel raises up the costs. It is not just on the fuel they use for delivery. It is on all the parts, the trucks themselves and where they manufacture them. This impacts everything. The tax is the main factor even for the stuff they need for farming, for the fertilizers. Everything hurts, and that is what is bringing costs up. Conservatives have a plan to cut all the taxes and to make food affordable again.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are discussing affordability issues. We are working on groceries. Basically, we are requesting and demanding from the government what Canadians need. They need a break on taxes. We do not want any tax on the farmers. We do not want any tax on the packaging. If the Liberals get rid of the industrial carbon tax, then that will lower food prices. This is going to help all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member opposite said that investment is coming here. When we have taxes so high, as we have seen for the last decade, who would come here? We have seen half a trillion dollars going out of Canada to other places to invest. We can see the prices. Because of those taxes, affordability is an issue. It was not an issue in 2015. I would like to request that the member opposite tell the Prime Minister to cut down all the taxes so people can afford this country and they can afford groceries.”
“When parents skip meals so their kids can eat, something is deeply wrong. When seniors cannot buy fresh food after a lifetime of work, something is deeply wrong. The Prime Minister said people should judge him by the prices at the grocery store. Canadians are doing that now, and they are—”
“Food is not a luxury. It is not a special good for the rich. It is the most basic thing a family needs, yet the government hikes taxes in the food supply chain, pushes up the cost of living, and then asks Canadians to be grateful for the small rebates that do not even cover a week of groceries. People do not want handouts. They want life to be affordable again. Conservatives have a simple plan: scrap the hidden taxes on food and bring down prices for everyone. We will bring back common sense. We will bring back a balanced budget so inflation comes down. We will let farmers farm without punishing taxes. We will let truckers move food without extra costs. We will let farmers keep more of their own money. When a country as rich as ours has millions of people using food banks, something is deeply wrong.”
“Some stores in our province have prices so steep that families leave with only half of what they planned to buy. When food prices rise this fast, people cut back on meals, skip healthy food or turn to food banks. This should not be happening in a province as strong and as resource-rich as Alberta. We need a government that brings down food costs, supports our farmers and makes life affordable again. That is why Conservatives put forward a motion to cut the cost of food. We asked the House to scrap the Liberal carbon tax on farmers and on food, scrap the new food packaging tax, scrap the fuel standard that adds 17¢ a litre on gas, and stop the inflation that comes from massive deficits. This was a real plan to give people relief, but the Liberals voted against it. They voted against lower food prices. They voted against common sense.”
“There are taxes on the farms, taxes on the trucks that bring food to the stores, taxes on the packaging, and taxes on the fuel that cooks, moves and stores food. When we tax the farmers, when we tax the truckers and when we tax the stores, who pays? The families standing at the checkouts pay. Across Alberta, farmers tell me the same story. They work long days growing the food we all depend on, but rising costs are making their jobs harder every year. The taxes on fuel, taxes on barns and taxes on the tools they use all add up. When the cost for Alberta farmers goes up, the cost of food for every family in our province goes up too. Alberta families are feeling the pressure as well. A simple trip to the store now costs far more than it did just a year ago. From meat to milk, bread and other fresh food, everything is higher.”
“This is not a normal Calgary. Calgary is a strong, hard-working city, but the cost of living has pushed many families to the edge. When food banks are stretched this thin, it shows that government policies are not working. We need to bring food prices down so families can depend on stores, not on food banks. (1715) Why is this happening? It is happening because the Prime Minister keeps spending more money than the country has. His $80-billion deficit pours fuel on the fire of inflation. Every dollar the government spends has to come from someone, and that someone is the Canadian people. People pay through higher prices on food, fuel and home heating. The Prime Minister also keeps putting taxes on the things that make food.”
“However, instead of making life easier, the government turns around and adds even more taxes. This does not help farmers, this does not help truckers and it does not help families who are already stretched thin. Canada should not be a place where people fear the grocery bill. We have the land, the farms, the workers and the resources to feed our whole country, yet families are paying more for food than ever before. This government has lost control of spending, lost control of taxes and lost control of the cost of living. Canadians deserve better. In Calgary, food banks are seeing more people than ever before. Staff and volunteers tell me that many of the people coming in have jobs but still cannot afford food, because prices are so high. Seniors come in because their pensions no longer cover both food and rent.”
“Others say they now buy less meat and try to stretch a meal as far as they can. These are honest, hard-working people. They are not looking for special treatment. They are simply looking for a fair chance to feed their families without going broke. Small shops and local stores in Alberta are also struggling. They pay more for rent, fuel, power, deliveries and packaging. When they try to keep prices low, they lose money. When they raise prices, families blame them. These small shops are part of our community. They want to serve people, but this government makes it harder for them to survive. We also hear from truck drivers who move food across western Canada. They say the rising fuel taxes make their work more expensive every month. When the cost of moving food goes up, the price at the store goes up; it is simple.”
“In 2015, a family spent about $159 a week on food; now it is $338 a week. Families are paying more than double. It is because of these high prices that many Canadians cannot buy healthy food. They are forced to pick cheap food that fills the stomach but is not good for long-term health. This year, more than 2.2 million people went to food banks each month. These are numbers we have never seen before. Nearly 85% of Canadians say their food bills went up again in the past year. Everyone feels it; it does not matter where they live. I want to share what I hear from people in my riding and across our province of Alberta. Every week, families tell me that they now shop in two or three different stores just to find the lowest price. Some parents say they no longer buy fresh fruits, because it has become too expensive.”
“Mr. Speaker, after 10 years of the Liberals, life in our country has become too hard. People tell me every day that the cost of food is hurting them the most. Moms and dads are cutting back. Seniors are skipping meals. Young people say they cannot get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Prime Minister once said that people should judge him by the cost at the grocery store. Let us do that today. A new food price report from Dalhousie University shows just how bad things are. It says that food prices will rise 4% to 6% next year, which is even worse than this year. A family of four will spend almost $18,000 on food in 2026, which is almost $1,000 more than this year. I will repeat that it will be $1,000 more just to feed a family. Food prices have gone up 112% since 2015.”
“Mr. Speaker, extortion is Canada has exploded by 330% since 2015. Canadians are being terrorized. People are dying. Homes are being sprayed with bullets. What do the Liberals do? Nothing. In Calgary, a woman who was convicted of helping with extortion walked away with just six months of house arrest, all because of Liberal soft-on-crime policies. We presented our Conservative plan a year ago, and Liberals voted it down. What does the minister have to say to the victims about his inaction?”
“It is time to strengthen the law so that criminals face real consequences and Calgarians receive the protection they deserve.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Calgary to express concern over the recent sentencing decision that chips away at the public confidence in the justice system. In a case of extortion in our city, the offender received an 18-month sentence, with six months to be served under house arrest. That is an extremely light outcome given the seriousness of the crime. This was not a minor offence. The victim was targeted in Calgary and pressured to repay more than $200,000 tied to third party illegal gambling. He was shown images of cut-up body parts in an attempt to scare him. The threat cannot be dismissed as any less than extremely serious. This case makes one thing clear: Our laws do not reflect the seriousness of extortion and organized crime.”