Judy A. Sgro
Humber River—Black Creek, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, Canada's hearts are broken at the loss of two of our frontline police officers, two brave individuals who gave their lives protecting our communities.”
“Mr. Speaker, to my hon. colleague, whom I respect immensely, the issue we are dealing with is that there is an urgency on this particular bill. The mover of the bill said that the sponsor of the bill is in a critical phase of his life, and we are trying to get this passed while he is still with us.”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my hon. colleague, and I know how much time he has spent on this particular bill as well. On the idea of controlling the money and all of that, I would be interested to hear what other amendment or change my colleague thinks could be done that would improve the bill and answer the concerns that he has.”
“Mr. Speaker, millions of Canadians live with vision and eye health problems. During the last Parliament, I was pleased that my private member's bill, the National Strategy for Eye Care Act, passed both the House and the Senate unanimously.”
“They were there to speak of their position as being victims of sexual violence and so on, but also of their concerns that the perpetrators were not getting strong enough sentences.”
“Second, with respect to protecting children, the need for action is urgent. We know that the nature of exploitation has changed. Predators are increasingly using digital platforms to groom, manipulate and extort children. Bill C-16 responds directly to those threats.”
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“It would respond to real operational gaps identified by police, child protection experts and national security professionals. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak on Bill C-22 . It is an important bill that is endorsed by police chiefs, frontline officers and child protection organizations. We have been very clear: Digital evidence is essential, and today it is far too often out of reach to help accomplish the goals we have today.”
“It would limit data retention to metadata for a maximum of one year, respond directly to Supreme Court jurisprudence and add more transparency than exists today. This bill would not lower constitutional standards, as I mentioned earlier. It would clarify them so police, providers and courts all operate with certainty and consistency. If we do nothing, we leave investigations in a grey zone, where they are today, and where accountability is weaker and not stronger. Some have suggested that this bill would go too far. Others claim it would not go far enough. This tells me this legislation is carefully balanced. To be clear, Bill C-22 would not authorize access to emails, content or web browsing history. It would not create secret surveillance powers.”
“Providers themselves would supply the information. If a cybersecurity concern arises, judicial review for this would be built in to Bill C-22. There would also the strong oversight and accountability I mentioned. Bill C-22 would embed judicial oversight, intelligence commissioner approval for ministerial orders and public annual reporting. A mandatory parliamentary review after three years would be essential to see if the goals of Bill C-22 are being achieved or if changes are needed in one way or the other. This is how responsible legislation is done. The privacy and the charter I mentioned earlier are extremely important. In Bill C-22 , privacy and public safety would not be opposing values. They would be mutually reinforcing. Bill C-22 would narrow definitions of subscriber information and explicitly exclude content.”
“It would also create smarter tools for international co-operation, reflecting that data does not stop at borders. Point two is technical capability. It would not be new powers as only technical capabilities would be expanded. Bill C-22 would ensure that electronic service providers have the technical ability to comply with existing warrants and court orders. That is critical. The bill would create no new surveillance powers, which is very important, as this was crafted to ensure that it would not be giving police access to something that would jeopardize people's constitutional rights. It would not allow warrantless access, nor mass surveillance, direct access or back doors. Access to content, browsing history or social media activity would not allowed with Bill C-22. Every disclosure would require lawful authorization.”
“Mr. Speaker, point one is that Bill C-22 would give police and CSIS clear, court-authorized tools aligned with Supreme Court decisions such as Spencer and Bykovets. Two key tools worth highlighting in those decisions were, first, confirmation of service, or a simple yes-or-no confirmation of which service provider holds a specific identifier. This does not reveal personal information and does not replace judicial authorization. Second is subscriber information production orders. These allow police, with a judge's approval, to obtain basic identifying information, nothing more, so investigations can actually proceed. The bill would also clarify the ability to accept voluntarily provided information, such as tips or victim reports. It would codify exigent circumstances so police could act quickly in genuine emergencies.”
“Bill C-22 would be the beginning of creating the lawful regime needed to be able to give more support to our law enforcement officers. What Bill C-22 would do, in very plain terms, is provide a measured, Canadian solution built on three pillars: clarity, constitutionality and accountability. All three are extremely important for our law enforcement officers to be able to do the job that we ask them to do. Timely, court-authorized access—”
“When we talk to some seniors, in particular, they know very little about this, yet it is happening in their own instruments. It is very difficult for police to get access. Investigations can stall because police cannot determine which service provider holds the relevant data. Is it an Apple? Is it Rogers? Who is the service provider? Our agencies are forced to rely on voluntary disclosure, foreign partners or legal workarounds. I think the police already have a difficult enough time getting the information to build a case. When they have to appear before a judge and get judicial permission, it hampers the whole investigation. As proud as we are of Canada, we are now the only Five Eyes or G7 country without a modern lawful access regime. This is not a sustainable position for public safety nor Canadian sovereignty.”
“When we ask the police to do their job, it is very difficult for them to do it with their hands handcuffed behind their backs to get the access that they need to be able to make a case and find out who the guilty parties are. Bill C-22 would help with that. Foreign interference, extortion, terrorism and auto theft are also things that Bill C-22 would help. We hear a lot about financial crimes in our day-to-day activity with our constituents and with others, and the different ways that the criminal element is able to access things. They increasingly operate online, using encrypted platforms and move data across borders in seconds, not minutes, yet Canada's lawful access laws were largely written for a pre-smart phone, pre-cloud era.”
“I think we are all seeing it in our communities, streets, phones and computers. Things have changed immensely on how crime is delivered. It is not just, I say this randomly, shooting someone. It is now accessing someone's private details and so many other things that need new legislation to keep up with the change in criminal activity. We have been hearing about a lot of effort going into dealing with organized crime. Whether we are talking about B.C. or Brampton, Ontario, organized crime has infiltrated a tremendous number of areas in our country and the laws we were able to use previously do not meet the requirements for our police officers and RCMP officers today. Child exploitation is another extremely important issue that is happening.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am happy this morning to be here to add my comments to what I think is a really important piece of legislation for our country. I speak in strong support of Bill C-22 . It is a piece of legislation that modernizes Canada's lawful access framework so our police and national security agencies can do their jobs effectively in a digital world, which is what we are clearly all living in, while fully respecting Canadians' charter rights and privacy. It is extremely important to be able to craft legislation that meets the very basics that are important to all of us when it comes to our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that we move forward in that direction in a positive way in crafting this piece of legislation. The context of why this bill is necessary is that crime has changed.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the bill is really important. One of the things that was concerning me in the last election and prior is this whole issue of foreign interference. All of us, whether we are candidates or taxpayers, need to have confidence that the election system run by Elections Canada is concrete and solid. While people like to point fingers and say somebody cheated, and I always say, “No, that is not possible,” I think Bill C-25 would help make that happen. I would like to hear from my hon. colleague. What are some of the other measures in Bill C-25 that would protect us, as candidates, and also taxpayers?”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the ninth report of the Standing Committee on International Trade in relation to the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 24, regarding Canada's involvement in rules-based international trade and investment systems, as well as the 10th report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, in relation to the motion adopted on Tuesday, April 14, regarding the Ukraine goods remission order.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in response to deeply troubling reports of executions and repression in Iran, including the execution of six political dissidents by the regime in recent weeks. In addition to this political repression is the escalation of the obsessive, systemic and ongoing persecution and scapegoating of the Iranian Baha’i religious community. As an example, Borna and Peyvand Naimi, two Baha’i cousins, targeted for their religious faith, remain detained, and have been reportedly tortured and, like others, coerced into false confessions. Targeting people for their religious beliefs is a grave violation of worldwide human rights. Canada must continue to condemn these abuses, work with allies and press for accountability. Iranians deserve dignity, justice and freedom from fear.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is a real pleasure to present this petition today from thousands of Canadians who identify themselves as single seniors. There is a growing number of Canadians who are doing that. Related to the treatment of single seniors under the federal income tax system, the petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to amend certain tax measures affecting pension income, tax credits and the treatment of registered retirement income on death, as set out in the petition. This is an important issue. I am sure all of my colleagues will support this kind of initiative as we move forward on improving our system of taxation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the pleasure and the honour to present today, in both official languages, the first report of the Liaison Committee, entitled “Committee Activities and Expenditures April 1, 2025-December 31, 2025”.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary courage of the people of Iran in the face of immense hardship. Across that nation, citizens have shown remarkable bravery. In particular, the women of Iran have stood at the forefront, risking their safety and their lives in their fight for dignity, rights and democracy. We are witnessing devastating destruction and deepening chaos, with innocent lives caught in the turmoil of conflict. This violence must end. We must strive for a peaceful resolution that paves the way for a transitional government, one that reflects the will of the Iranian people and sets the country firmly on a path towards democracy. A free and democratic Iran remains the dream of millions, both within its borders and across its diaspora.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the seventh report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, in relation to the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 24, regarding eliminating forced labour from Canadian supply chains. I also have the honour to present, in both official language, the eighth report, in relation to the motion adopted on Thursday, February 12, regarding Canada-Taiwan trade-related co-operation.”
“Mr. Speaker, at this critical hour, Canada calls on Russia to cease hostilities and withdraw to Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. Canada condemns the deliberate Russian attacks on energy infrastructure that deprive civilians of both heat and electricity. Canada recently announced $2 billion in military assistance for 2026-27, including over 400 armoured vehicles and an additional $20 million for the Ukraine energy support fund. Furthermore, Canada has sanctioned 21 individuals, 53 entities and 100 shadow fleet vessels and lowered the Russian oil price cap. I commend Canada's leadership in the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and support accountability before the International Criminal Court. For four years, families have endured profound hardship, yet their courage endures.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the report of the legislative committee on Bill C-18 , an act to implement the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Canada and Indonesia. The committee has studied the bill, and I am very happy to forward it on to the House. It has decided to report the bill back to the House with amendments.”
“I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, and I reaffirm my commitment to seeking his release, alongside that of all people in prison for their beliefs in Hong Kong.”
“Mr. Speaker, I stand with voices around the world in denouncing the unjust and politically driven sentencing of Jimmy Lai, the latest chapter in the erosion of Hong Kong's freedom and independence. This outcome was not inevitable. For years, advocates globally have called for the release of Jimmy Lai, and this pressure from the international community must continue. His sentencing is a clear violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, a legally binding treaty lodged with the United Nations. Sentencing a 78-year-old newspaper publisher to 20 years in prison for peaceful expression is not the justified rule of law; it is repression. I urge democratic societies to answer this abuse with coordinated diplomatic measures and accountability. Jimmy Lai's case makes clear that Hong Kong's courts now operate fully under Beijing's control.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fifth report of the Standing Committee on International Trade in relation to Bill C-13 , an act to implement the protocol on the accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House with an amendment.”
“Canada acted by listing the IRGC in 2024, and today I call on the United Kingdom to follow suit and register the IRGC as a terrorist entity.”
“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an important development: the decision by the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This decision reflects the courage and determination of the Iranian people, who have endured the IRGC's repression for decades, including the tragic loss of life during the January 2026 uprising. For more than 20 years, democratic opposition leaders and thousands of parliamentarians from around the world have called for this designation, noting the regime's destabilizing activities across the Middle East. This listing must be accompanied by further steps: closing the regime's diplomatic facilities, expelling its agents, cutting off its financial networks and recognizing the right of Iran's youth to resist tyranny in the pursuit of a democratic republic grounded in human rights.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is a time when we all need to be united. Earlier I asked one of my Conservative colleagues if they would support the MOU. I am talking about the MOU that the government is putting forward that I think has a team Canada approach of working together and advancing team Canada, as we do at international trade. Overall, working together to advance the issues that matter to our constituents is the best thing that we can be doing. It is time that we all did that together.”
“Mr. Speaker, at the moment there is no pipeline. There will only be a pipeline when the multitude of conditions that have been put on the table as a possibility of moving forward get met. Otherwise, there will be no pipeline to have a discussion about.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome my colleague to the House. I think this is the first time we have had an opportunity to exchange a few words together. I thank him for the work that he did on establishing those protocols. I would sincerely hope that everyone on the other side of the House would ensure, as I and I am sure all of my colleagues intend to, that the things we are committing to will happen. If the conditions that are spelled out are not met to their full extent, I would not expect anything to move forward.”
“One example earlier this year is from the Canada Development Investment Corporation. Through its subsidiary, the Canada indigenous loan guarantee program issued its first loan guarantee for $400 million of a $736-million investment in 38 first nations. I am pleased to answer questions.”
“To strengthen the indigenous capacity to participate in these processes, the federal government has allocated $40 million over two years in dedicated funding to support consultation and preparation for community readiness activities as they relate to major projects. When we invest in indigenous economies, we grow the entire country's economy. When indigenous partners lead major projects, things move faster and the results last longer. That is how we build trust. That is how we build prosperity. To provide increased opportunities for first nations, Inuit and Métis to gain equity stakes in nation-building projects, we have doubled the indigenous loan guarantee program from $5 billion to $10 billion. This program helps indigenous groups get more affordable loans for major projects by having the federal government guarantee the loan.”
“Members bring diverse perspectives and demonstrated leadership. Some of the members were also nominated by indigenous governments and organizations. The council will also shape how the Major Projects Office works with first nations, Inuit and Métis, as well as modern treaty and self-government partners. I wish to point out that the duty to consult is a legal requirement that will be carried out by the government and not the council. The establishment of the indigenous advisory council does not replace section 35 obligations for consultations with rights holders under the modern treaties act.”
“The council will also support the Major Projects Office by championing indigenous partnerships and economic participation in all major projects in Canada. Consultation continues to be a prerequisite. The focus of the council will be to provide insightful counsel on policies and processes related to major projects. It will provide expert advice on policy, operational practices and process improvements related to the inclusion of indigenous perspectives on, and interest in, major projects and regulatory processes, including the integration of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act principles. Doing so is reconciliation in action. Members of the council were selected based on their expertise and knowledge of major projects, economic development, indigenous rights and of course the regulatory space.”
“(1550) This includes updating the federal guidelines on consultation, using consultation protocol agreements and resource centres to help guide and inform these processes, continuing to include consultation provisions in new modern treaty and self-government arrangements and reviewing consultation provisions in existing modern treaty and self-government arrangements to ensure they reflect the latest legal and policy developments. The Major Projects Office's work also benefits from the leadership and guidance of an indigenous advisory council, which provides expert advice on policy, operational practices and process improvements related to the inclusion of indigenous perspectives and interests in major projects.”
“That is why Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has been engaging with indigenous partners to improve how federal consultation happens, including during major project processes and Crown consultation coordination, and to better understand indigenous priorities for economic prosperity. We will work with the new federal Major Projects Office and other federal departments to share what we have heard about indigenous interests and economic priorities, including community-supported major projects, consultation expertise and how best to strengthen those partnerships.”
“What I have heard from all of the members on the other side today are ways to move things along faster when they have the right conditions. Advancing the interests of indigenous peoples is a vital part of advancing major projects and one of the factors considered in the designation of projects to be in the national interest. I wish to underline that meaningful consultation is key to the success of all future major projects. I do not think anyone on this side of the House is prepared or would be prepared to ram something through, which is what I am hearing on the other side of the House.”
“These meetings are helping shape the path forward together to advance major projects, including projects of national interest. The Major Projects Office is the single point of contact, as well as the leadership, on major projects, partnering with federal departments, provinces, territories, indigenous peoples and the private sector. Its mandate is to advance nation-building projects that connect Canada's economy, diversify trade and industries, create good jobs, protect the environment and uphold indigenous rights. By streamlining approvals and committing to a two-year timeline for major project decisions, the Government of Canada is creating a more efficient and predictable environment to give investors and project proponents, such as Iqaluit hydro, the certainty they need.”
“Free, prior and informed consent will also be a central tenet guiding the federal government's approach to implementing the Building Canada Act. Major projects will only proceed following meaningful consultation and, where appropriate, accommodation. This past summer, the government convened three distinctions-based meetings with first nations, Inuit and Métis leaders to discuss the Building Canada Act and how best to work together. There were frank exchanges, and first nations, Inuit and Métis representatives from across Canada had the opportunity to comment and to share their views. Further, as promised by the Prime Minister , collaboration has continued with first nations leadership at all levels through regional dialogue tables.”
“The Building Canada Act makes sure that first nations, Inuit and Métis people participate in full partnership in building a strong, fairer economy. It is intentional that section 35 rights are embedded in the legislation, with a requirement to engage in consultation with affected section 35 rights holders at key stages: first, before a project is designated as being in the national interest; second, before the issuance of the conditions document; and, third, before any amendment to the conditions document. I am going to repeat those three conditions. They are before a project is designated, before the issuance of the conditions document and before any amendment to the conditions document. All of that will have to happen before any progress will be made.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always good to see you in the Chair, keeping control of all of the comments that are made here in the House. I am pleased to rise today to speak to the issue of the recently signed Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding and the duty to consult with indigenous peoples on its implementation. Let me begin by saying that Canada and Alberta are committed to respecting aboriginal and treaty rights. We have heard it from the minister and we have heard from the Prime Minister continually about engaging in early, consistent and meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples. This will have to be done in a manner that promotes reconciliation and respects the rights and cultures of indigenous peoples while advancing economic opportunities through indigenous ownership and partnership.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin is home to 98% of Ontarians and more than 90% of Québécois. It is a critical part of a highly integrated economy, valued at over $10 trillion and is extremely important to all of us. Yesterday evening, a coalition of groups dedicated to fostering a prosperous and resilient Great Lakes and St. Lawrence ecosystem welcomed parliamentarians, staff and officials to a reception to learn more about this precious resource shared by both Canadians and Americans. Representatives from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Pollution Probe, AquaAction and many other groups were on hand to answer many questions. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the historic and continued investment made by the Government of Canada to protect and restore the basin and to further encourage this important work.”
“Mr. Speaker, I present, on behalf of the Standing Committee on International Trade, the fourth report, “Addressing Unjustified United States Tariffs on Certain Goods in the Canadian Steel, Aluminum, Automotive and Softwood Lumber Sectors”. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, November 27, the committee has agreed to report the following: that the committee report to the House that it condemns the unjustified American tariffs on the Canadian steel, aluminum, automotive, and softwood lumber industries, and that it calls upon the government to live up to the promise it made in the election”
“Mr. Speaker, as the chair of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship Group, I am honoured to rise today and welcome to the Hill the president of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America. Delegates have come from across the continent in the spirit of new opportunities and stronger trade. This week, I have the privilege of hosting two important events: a parliamentary discussion on Canada-Taiwan relations and the vibrant celebration of Taiwan Night 2025, celebrating the strong and growing ties between Canada and Taiwan that are rooted in shared democracy, values, mutual respect and a commitment to economic co-operation. Like Canada, Taiwan is a dynamic and innovative partner. By expanding trade, investment and cultural exchange, we strengthen supply chains, foster prosperity and build bridges that transcend borders and oceans.”
“I encourage all members to support the Canadian Organic Alliance and its organic action plan, which is a national policy framework to modernize regulations and grow markets.”
“Mr. Speaker, I recently met with Riverside Natural Foods, a proud constituent company headquartered in my riding and a leader in Canada's organic food supply chain. Known for its MadeGood brand, Riverside exemplifies the innovation and collaboration that connects farmers, processors, consumers and the power of organics to link people to the food we eat and the planet we share. Riverside is growing by 30% to 40% annually and uses 95% organic ingredients, which are ideally Canadian grown. A new national report confirms that organic production boosts farm profitability, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and sustains soil health and biodiversity, yet the United States spends eight times more per acre on organics than Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, the issues we are dealing with today in this budget and moving forward on are affecting my family and everyone else's family. We are talking about the future of my children and grandchildren. We want to see these move forward. We should all be working together. There is no guarantee that changes made at committee are going to be—”
“Mr. Speaker, we can take the time to look at what we have done in the past. This budget, with the kinds of dollars that are finally being invested in serious infrastructure, commits to moving things along faster than they previously have. There are changes being made in other regulations and so on that will really help move things forward. I am excited about the fact that we are making this commitment. We all know it takes time and that these things do not happen overnight. I would certainly like to see it happening much faster than it did previously, when we were all tied up in regulation. We just finished signing an agreement with Indonesia. We have agreements with the Philippines and the U.K. All of those things will provide opportunities for many of our businesses to move forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, there are a variety of different areas and different capacities. The fisheries are such an important aspect, as are the agriculture and softwood industries. There are a variety of them. If the member goes through the book very carefully, he will see the redirection of some funds going into another, more optimistic avenue in that area.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome the member to the House. I do not think we have had an opportunity for a discussion. As I indicated earlier, I would welcome comments and suggestions, as I believe all parliamentarians would, as to how we can move these things forward. Part of the reason the Major Projects Office was created is so we can have opportunities to move things along. We are all well aware of the roadblocks that are there. Those have to be gone, and that is what we are trying to do with part of the investment.”
“I have had the opportunity to visit several new initiatives when it comes to housing and see their ability to build a house in a month. We are creating homes much quicker with the prebuilds and so on. Things will be moving much faster. Again, it is all about creating jobs.”
“I think that is more money than any of us could even imagine. It will change Canada now and forever and create thousands of well-paying jobs. In Toronto, and especially Humber River—Black Creek, these investments will mean better transit, safer roads and more affordable housing. They will also mean good jobs in construction, engineering and the skilled trades. Yes, it will take time, but in the meantime, while we are expanding ports, building bridges and so on, all of that is creating jobs so we ensure that Canadians are working. Through the build communities strong fund, municipalities like Toronto will have the tools they need to improve local infrastructure and support economic growth. Through Build Canada Homes, we are partnering with cities and indigenous communities to build housing at scale and speed.”
“Budget 2025 fast-tracks major infrastructure projects through the new Major Projects Office, streamlining approvals and getting shovels in the ground faster. As parliamentarians and former municipal councillors, we have seen the red tape and the delays in getting things through, whether at the federal, provincial or municipal level. There are always extreme delays. It takes four or five years sometimes to get some of these projects through. There needs to be an end to that. That is what I hope we will see with the Major Projects Office, which will actually streamline many of these projects, especially the infrastructure ones. The first tranche of these projects alone will trigger $150 billion in capital investments. Did members notice that I said “billion”? It used to be millions, and we are now talking billions.”