Angelo Iacono
Alfred-Pellan, Quebec · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for being such a strong advocate for jobs in his riding and for the city of Mississauga. Could the member share with the House which sectors he believes hold the greatest opportunities for trade diversification and for expanding Canada's trade in the years ahead?”
“Mr. Speaker, building Canada strong means taking concrete action to put a roof over everyone's head. That is why we are investing more than $6 million to support the construction of not six, but 31 housing units as part of the Habitation Palerme project in my riding of Alfred‑Pelland.”
“Mr. Speaker, this Black History Month, I want to pay tribute to the people who make my community of Alfred‑Pellan shine. I want to thank Kardie Rosier, director of the Coumbite de Laval community centre, an organization that carries out essential work and is a true pillar of community support. I commend Ms.”
“Mr. Speaker, with the global auto industry rapidly shifting toward electrification and clean technologies, can my colleague explain how the government's automotive strategy—including incentives for Canadian production, tax measures to attract investment, the development of the battery and critical minerals supply chain, and support for EV…”
“Mr. Speaker, I can see that my colleague is blaming our government for the fact that EVs in Canada are a complete failure. I am curious to know how my colleague can claim to stand up for auto workers while rejecting a strategy that incentivizes production in Canada, protects jobs during the transition and reduces our dependence on a singl…”
“Mr. Speaker, since more than 500,000 Canadians depend directly on the auto industry and our workers are facing unjustified tariffs from the United States as well as global changes that happen quickly, can my colleague explain how the government's auto strategy protects Canadian workers, attracts investment and strengthens our industry's r…”
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“Mr. Speaker, it is funny to hear this question from my opposition colleague. He should perhaps reflect on what his party has done during its 10 years in government. This problem is not something that popped up this morning or yesterday. It has been going on for a long time. The Conservatives failed to act on this matter when they were in government 10 years ago. They did not do very much. This is why we have to deal with this problem today.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is very clear: Bill C‑2 will strengthen our borders by allowing officers to conduct more effective inspections of goods, drugs, weapons and stolen vehicles. The Canadian Coast Guard has a clear mandate to protect our waters. In Laval, these measures will help recover stolen vehicles and make our neighbourhoods safer. We listened to Canadians, as my colleague has done, to find out what they need and what they want us to do to better protect our borders. This is exactly what we are doing. We are taking action.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservative Party claims that Bill C‑2 threatens national security and access to asylum. However Bill C‑2 strengthens border security and makes cargo inspections more efficient. It makes it possible to intercept drugs, weapons and stolen vehicles. It also expedites the processing of asylum claims and ensures humane access to risk assessment. It respects the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and protects Canadians' privacy.”
“Mr. Speaker, I simply want to tell my colleague that a safe Canada is a strong Canada. We are taking steps to keep Canadians across the country safe. We are taking steps to prevent the crime that is threatening our communities and to give police the tools they need to fight it and to hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
“Like all Canadians, the people of Alfred-Pellan want safe communities, a fair and efficient immigration system, and an economy protected from the threat of crime. Bill C‑2 equips our border, police and justice services with tools for the 21st century. It protects our youth from the scourge of fentanyl, our businesses from financial crime, and our families from auto theft and fraud. It strengthens trust in our asylum system and enables us to respond effectively to global crises. We are reinforcing the system to reflect today's realities, protect Canadians and prepare for tomorrow's challenges. We are also sending a clear message—”
“Thanks to the new export inspection powers, we will be able to intercept those vehicles before they leave the country, enabling us to protect property and strengthen public trust. The fight against fentanyl is also crucial for our community. Our police services and community organizations are grappling with an overdose crisis that is affecting too many families in Laval. Bill C‑2 provides meaningful federal support to combat this scourge by coordinating the efforts of local, provincial, and national agencies. By protecting the integrity of cross-border trade, we are also protecting innovative Laval businesses in the logistics, pharmaceutical and international trade sectors, as well as the thousands of jobs they generate. This bill helps create a safe and prosperous environment for families, workers and entrepreneurs in my riding.”
“All of these measures come with robust, transparent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and protect Canadians' privacy. This gives law enforcement the tools it needs while safeguarding the public trust. Those are not abstract issues. They are having a direct impact on Laval and the riding of Alfred-Pellan. Laval is a strategic economic and logistical hub, being close to the port of Montreal, the international airport, Highway 15 and major railway routes. Those attributes foster innovation and prosperity, but they also attract the attention of criminal networks. In 2024, Laval recorded more than 3,300 crimes and offences, including more than 800 auto thefts. More and more luxury cars are being stolen for export, threatening the safety of local residents and businesses.”
“The first pillar is to secure the border by modernizing the Customs Act, by improving the efficiency of export inspections, including inspections of rail and marine shipping containers, and by adding security-related activities to the Canadian Coast Guard's mandate. The second pillar is to combat fentanyl and organized crime by facilitating the seizure of mail for criminal investigations, by creating an accelerated scheduling pathway for precursor chemicals, and by providing legal access to electronic data in order to disrupt trafficking networks. The third pillar is to crack down on money laundering by introducing stiffer penalties, a ban on certain cash deposits over $10,000, and better information sharing between banks, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, or FINTRAC, and law enforcement.”
“The current laws do not allow a large volume of immigration documents to be suspended, varied or cancelled in response to a widespread crisis. That limits the government's ability to protect Canadians in times of crisis. Bill C‑2 addresses that gap by enabling the government to temporarily suspend certain visas or travel authorizations in the event of a major crisis, whether it be a pandemic, an international conflict or a natural disaster. These temporary powers will enable the government to react quickly to protect the health, safety and well-being of Canadians while ensuring the continuity of essential services. (1705) The second major mission of Bill C-2 is to strengthen border security and combat transnational organized crime. The bill builts on the historic $1.3‑billion investment and is structured around three pillars.”
“The number of irregular border crossings has already diminished since the expansion of the safe third country agreement, but, under this bill, a person who crosses the border illegally and files a claim more than 14 days after their entry into Canada will no longer have their claim referred to the board. These provisions do not close the door on protection, however. Anyone facing persecution will still have the right to a pre-removal risk assessment, so our humanitarian commitment remains intact. In short, we are striking a balance between efficiency, security and compassion, which is essential to the credibility and legitimacy of our asylum system. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that we need to be able to respond quickly and effectively in exceptional circumstances.”
“This will reduce unnecessary delays and ensure timely decisions. Lastly, we are proposing a simplified process for withdrawing incomplete applications while preserving the applicant's right to explain their situation and present arguments. Together, these measures will speed up decision-making and ensure that asylum continues to be accessible to those who truly need it. Bill C-2 also introduces clear rules to protect the integrity of the system. For example, a claim for asylum must be filed within one year of the person's arrival in Canada. This time limit will deter people from using the asylum system to circumvent the regular immigration channels or to unduly prolong their temporary stay.”
“Processing times are getting longer, claimants are living in uncertainty, and our public services are grappling with a heavier workload. Bill C‑2 proposes concrete, well-thought-out solutions to improve this situation while keeping our system fair and compassionate. One of the measures we are proposing is a single online form for all applications, whether they are submitted at an airport, at a land border or outside the country. This will simplify the process, reduce administrative errors and allow for better coordination between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Furthermore, cases will be pre-screened and scheduling powers will be transferred directly to the board to allow hearings to be held faster and to facilitate planning.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to speak to Bill C-2 , a major legislative initiative to both strengthen our asylum system and secure our borders. These two objectives go hand in hand, because we need an effective and humane immigration system that protects vulnerable people, while ensuring the safety of all Canadians. Every year, thousands of people choose Canada to build a better life, to find refuge and to contribute to our society. However, global migration realities are changing quickly. In 2022, we processed more than 92,000 claims for asylum. That number climbed to more than 171,000 in 2024, which means it nearly doubled in two years. The rapid increase in asylum claims is straining our system.”
“Mr. Speaker, this summer, in Alfred‑Pellan, I met with company representatives and citizens who are worried about the effects of U.S. tariffs on our economy. Now that Parliament has resumed, I can reassure them that our government has indeed heard their comments. With our new industrial strategy, we will diversify our markets, support our SMEs and focus on reskilling our workers so we can build a Canadian economy that is stronger, more resilient and more competitive. In terms of infrastructure, the Major Projects Office will play a key role in accelerating investments across the country. The number of major projects, like the Contrecœur container terminal or the timely implementation of the Alto high-speed train, will increase, which will create thousands of jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we will be celebrating a milestone in Alfred-Pellan: the 30th anniversary of the Marronnier residence, a true pillar for our seniors and an exceptional place to live in the heart of our community. Since 1994, this residence, which was founded by the Morzadec family, has been providing an exemplary living environment for over 1,700 residents. It is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, modern facilities and dedicated staff, who put the well-being of seniors at the heart of everything they do. The Marronnier is much more than a place to stay; it is a true community, built on respect, solidarity and joie de vivre. I would like to recognize and congratulate the residents, staff, volunteers and managers for their daily commitment. Happy 30th anniversary to the entire Marronnier family.”
“Mr. Speaker, our new government was elected to implement a strong vision for nature conservation on land and sea, as well as improved access for Canadians. Could the Secretary of State for Nature inform the House of the measures our government will take to protect nature in Canada?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has accepted all of the Auditor General's previous recommendations. However, our opposition colleagues are telling us the opposite. Did the Auditor General make any other recommendations in her last report?”
“Mr. Speaker, celebrated on June 2, Festa della Repubblica represents the courage, strength and hope of a people who chose freedom and democracy. The birth of the Italian Republic 79 years ago marked the beginning of a new era between Canada and Italy, which have forged deep ties based on respect and co-operation. The Italian flag was raised this morning on Parliament Hill to mark this national holiday and as a powerful symbol of our shared history. I myself am of Italian descent, which I share with nearly 20% of my constituents. This holiday symbolizes a cherished cultural heritage and pays tribute to Canada's Italian community, whose commitment, perseverance and family values continue to strengthen our society. We are united in celebration. Viva l'Italia. Viva la libertà.”
“Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election to this well-deserved new position. Tanti auguri . For my first statement in the 45th Parliament, I want to thank the people of Alfred-Pellan from the bottom of my heart for placing their trust in me for a fourth term. I am deeply moved by their loyalty and trust, which fill me with humility, pride and a greater sense of duty. Their engagement inspires me on a daily basis. I will continue to dedicate myself to working for the families, young people, seniors, organizations and businesses of Alfred-Pellan with conviction and respect. People of all ages rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly to make sure Canada remains a strong, united country that reflects who we are. I am honoured to represent the big, tight-knit family of Alfred-Pellan.”