Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Moncton—Dieppe, New Brunswick · Liberal · Canada
“I held the hands of women shivering in police station lobbies at all hours of the day and night. At the time, before entering politics, I was a frontline social worker with the Codiac Regional RCMP in Moncton, New Brunswick.”
“It validates what social workers, shelter staff and victims have been saying for decades: that abuse is systematic, that psychological abuse is dangerous and that our courts must be modern, efficient and compassionate.”
“As someone who has accompanied survivors and also many family members through the gruelling court process, I know that delays are often a secondary victimization. When cases are thrown out due to the Jordan framework, a victim is left entirely unprotected, looking over her shoulder and feeling abandoned by the criminal justice system.”
“Let us not forget our youth in these situations. The shelter also provides child and youth support services. If we want this intergenerational cycle to cease, we have to make sure that we provide services to the young who are exposed to this. Again, I want to give a big shout‑out to our local shelter.”
“The first pillar of Bill C-16 is the criminalization of coercive control. For too long, our legal system has viewed intimate partner violence as a series of isolated physical incidents. Frontline workers know the truth.”
“In my years of practice, I saw many, many victims refuse to call the police because they feared the absolute destruction of their family's economic survival. If a victim knows that a call to police automatically triggers a mandatory multi-year prison sentence, they may choose silence instead of making a complaint.”
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“Just a handful of Harvards are still flying today, but Dan recently had the chance to fly one of them, eighty-four years after his dad first climbed into a Harvard cockpit. [ Translation ] He kindly showed me the photos of that amazing experience, and I have to say that the expression on his face as he was flying through the air in a plane just like the one his dad piloted almost a century ago was absolutely priceless. [ English ] I tell this story because absolutely none of this would have happened if Dan had not received a life-saving kidney transplant six years ago. My friend Mike Walsh received a kidney transplant seven years ago, and today he is managing his health and making the most of the years he thought he would never have.”
“We already reward selflessness of a different sort with the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, for example. We also bestow several military and civilian honours on Canadians who have risked danger to come to the aid of others in emergencies. [ Translation ] Creating this type of award to celebrate these qualities, particularly in the context of living organ donation, seems to me to be the next logical step. [ English ] I support the bill also because of the experience of two friends of mine, Mr. Dan McLaughlin and Michael Walsh. Just a few months ago, Dan McLaughlin lived a thrill of a lifetime. During the Second World War, his father joined the RCAF, and like thousands of airmen from across Canada and the British Commonwealth, he honed his flying skills here in Canada in a Harvard trainer aircraft.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am extremely pleased today to stand in the House in support of Bill C-234 , which calls for the creation of a living donor recognition medal. Let me start by telling members why I am supporting the bill. For starters, how can anyone not be moved by the experience of the member for Edmonton Manning , who as a father of a child stricken by a critical illness, donated part of his own liver to save his son's life? Many brave Canadians over the years have also been willing to do the same by being a living donor to save someone's life, whether it be a family member, a friend or sometimes even a stranger. That is completely inspiring. In my estimation, that kind of selflessness and courage captures the best of Canadian values and of human values, and it should be justly rewarded.”
“I encourage all Canadians to look for their nearest chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace or even to start a chapter in their area to support this wonderful charity.”
“Mr. Speaker, all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads, but for some families, a bed for each child is a luxury they simply cannot afford. Since 2018, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Canada has put out a motion for change, as volunteers donate material and their time to help build beds and distribute them in communities across the country. Our local Moncton chapter was founded just this past June and has already built and delivered 52 beds. Nationwide, the objective is to deliver 3,000 beds by the end of this year. My husband, Brock, and I recently accepted an invitation to join local leaders at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Jim Merzetti and Marie-Claire Pierce, and helped build some beds with a group of local volunteers. I thank Jim and Marie-Claire for their invitation and for their tireless devotion to this cause.”
“They have not only kept the memory of their late father alive, but also serve as shining examples of youth who deserve recognition in the House. I say well done to Naomi and Austin. Their dad would be proud.”
“Mr. Speaker, in honour of Brain Cancer Awareness Day happening this October 24, I would like to pay a special tribute to an incredible family who is near and dear to my heart. The Boyle family was forever changed when Andrew Boyle lost his 10-year long battle with brain cancer back in 2022. Undeterred by such a devastating loss, his amazing wife Danielle, a friend and former colleague of mine, and their two beautiful children Austin and Naomi have channelled their grief into hope and action by becoming remarkable ambassadors for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Their team, Boyle's Brainiacs, have knocked on countless doors in their community, sharing their journey with everyone and raising an amazing $6,000 for the cause in the process. Naomi and Austin have raised $1,000 each.”
“Mr. Speaker, I listened attentively to my colleague's speech today. He questioned at one point if we signed up to support this bill. My question for the member opposite is this. Having worked for the RCMP for 23 years as a civilian member, I have seen the hard work of the many women of the RCMP, day in and day out. I have seen them put their lives on the line. I wonder if my colleague agrees with the leader of his party when he questioned the independence of the RCMP. Also, when the Leader of the Opposition indicated—”
“Mr. Speaker, I know that veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces are my friend and colleague's top priority. During your speech today, you indicated that Justice Arbour consulted with over 16,000 individuals. I am just wondering if the department and the minister himself consulted with victims as well. How do we anticipate the reaction of survivors with respect to this legislation? We all know that making a complaint of this nature is very difficult. I am just wondering if we have received any feedback from survivors.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my Bloc Québécois colleague for his excellent speech. I greatly appreciated his overview of the bill. I think we all agree that we want to ensure that victims will have access to justice. We also want to ensure that victims will have access to the services and resources they need when they file a complaint because we acknowledge what a difficult and traumatizing process that can be. In addition, we want to ensure that we continue to maintain a trauma-informed approach. I also understand that the member and the Bloc Québécois will be supporting Bill C‑11, but he said he would reserve judgment. Can my Bloc Québécois colleague tell us what changes he would like to make to Bill C‑11 to improve it?”
“Mr. Speaker, during my colleague's remarks today, he mentioned talking the talk. Having worked with victims of crime for over 23 years before I became a parliamentarian, I have seen first-hand the impacts of sexual violence on many victims. Today, I was listening attentively and really hoping to hear comments about how important it is to have a trauma-informed response and rights for victims. Instead, we heard partisan garble. If there are any victims at home today listening to us, I think they would be extremely disappointed with the debate going on with respect to that. I have a simple question: Does the member not agree that Bill C-11 is an important step forward if we want to make sure that victims have access to justice?”
“Mr. Speaker, I wanted to thank my colleague for sharing what she has been hearing in her community over the summer. I think as members of Parliament we all want to make sure that we are doing active listening in our community, and we want to ensure that the legislation we bring forward really reflects what we are hearing from our constituents. I think one thing we can all agree on in the House is that we want to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the authorities and tools it needs to do its job. During the member's speech today, she indicated that part 5 of Bill C-2 will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the tools it needs. I am wondering if my colleague could elaborate a bit on that.”
“Madam Chair, again, I want to thank my colleague for his comments. Would he like to comment further on what the federal government is doing to support the middle class as it relates to affordability? What are we doing to help people who often have a hard time making ends meet?”
“Madam Chair, once again, I would like to thank my hon. colleague for his comments and the work he does on an ongoing basis to help Canadians with the whole issue of affordability. The minister introduced a measure in the House that eliminated the carbon tax for consumers. I was wondering if he could explain to the committee what steps the government is taking to build the strongest economy in the G7 while investing in making that economy clean.”
“Madam Chair, I want to thank my hon. colleague, the Minister of Finance, for his work. In my speech, I mentioned the issue of affordable housing. We recognize that here in Canada, and especially in my riding of Moncton—Dieppe, creating more housing continues to be a top priority. I wonder if the minister could elaborate further on the importance of the policies we have put forward to create more housing in New Brunswick and across Canada.”
“The main estimates clearly describe how the government, our government, is responding to the priorities of Canadians who are taking up challenges and seizing opportunities. With these important investments, we will help build a stronger Canada from coast to coast to coast. Again, I am thankful for the opportunity to speak today. Now, I have a few questions for the Minister of Finance. First, I want to thank my colleague and friend, the Minister of Finance, who is doing incredible work, hard work, to support Canadians from coast to coast to coast. (1955) Lastly, a key aspect of our government's plan is a tax cut for nearly 22 million Canadians from one end of the country to the other. I wonder if the Minister of Finance could explain to the committee the importance of this tax cut.”
“This includes building a more affordable Canada by cutting the goods and services tax, or GST, on new homes up to $1 million for first-time homebuyers to help them save up to $50,000, by lowering the GST on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, and by providing tax relief to nearly 22 million middle-class Canadians. Finally, it means that millions of Canadian workers will be able to keep more of their hard-earned money to build a better future. Responsible spending is about making prudent investments in the priorities that matter most to Canadians. Canada has the tools it needs to succeed, and we remain committed to working every day to protect our workers, families and businesses.”
“In addition to the important investments we are making at home, we are committed to remaining united with our allies and partners to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom and security. The $200-million payment to the World Bank Group's financial intermediary fund in support of Ukraine is part of Canada's contribution through the G7 leaders' Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loan initiative, which will be used to support projects, programs and activities that meet Ukraine's budget, recovery and reconstruction needs. In conclusion, the measures in the main estimates that have been put forward today are a very important part of the government's commitment to transparency and the responsible use of public funds to produce results for Canadians. After the election, not so long ago, we took immediate action to support Canadians.”
“The federal government can provide the Canada Infrastructure Bank, or CIB, with up to $35 billion to support infrastructure projects across the country. The CIB focuses on priority areas of investment, including public transit, green infrastructure, clean energy, broadband access, and trade and transportation. The $26.1-million increase reflects payments made to the CIB to carry out approved activities outlined in its 2024-25 to 2028-29 corporate plan. In addition, we are committed to expanding the types of projects the CIB can support to be more aligned with first nations, Inuit and Métis priorities, because we know that efforts to build a strong Canada must include all indigenous communities.”
“The $330-million increase reflects the indexation of the program, which is based on total provincial, local and territorial government spending, adjusted to account for differences in population growth and changes in revenue-raising capacity in the program formula set out in the legislation. This important program helps territorial governments fund essential public services such as hospitals, schools, infrastructure and social services, and recognizes the high cost of public services in the north and the challenges territorial governments face in delivering services to many people in small, often very isolated communities. (1950) In these uncertain times, it is especially important that we invest in major national interest infrastructure projects to help make Canada an energy superpower. We want the government to become that superpower.”
“It supports three broad areas of social programs: post-secondary education, social assistance and social services, as well as early childhood development, early learning and child care. The 2025–26 main estimates increase the CST by just over $507 million, reflecting the 3% annual growth rate provided for in the legislation. The fourth federal transfer is made through the territorial formula financing, which enables territorial governments to provide their residents with programs and services comparable to those provided in the rest of Canada, at comparable levels of taxation, taking into account the higher costs of services and the unique circumstances of the north.”
“We need to work together to improve health care for all Canadians. The second-largest overall federal transfer to the provinces and territories is the fiscal equalization program. This important program ensures that less prosperous provinces have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation, thereby reducing fiscal disparities between the provinces. Total equalization payments increase each year based on a three-year moving average of nominal GDP growth. The $917-million increase reflects the 3.6% escalator based on GDP for 2024-25. The Canada social transfer, or CST, is the third-largest federal transfer to the provinces and territories.”
“The federal government provides significant ongoing financial support to provincial and territorial governments to help them deliver programs and services through four main transfer programs. The largest overall federal transfer is the Canada health transfer, which has increased by $2.6 billion for 2025-26. This will provide predictable long-term funding for health care and supports the principle of the Canada Health Act. This important federal transfer is provided to the provinces and territories to support health care. It increases every year based on a three-year moving average of nominal gross domestic product growth, with guaranteed funding that will increase by at least 5% per year until 2027-28, and 3% per year thereafter. We all know that a strong and effective health care system is essential to a strong and healthy Canada.”
“Madam Chair, let me begin by thanking you for the opportunity to speak this evening before the committee of the whole. I would like to use my time today to describe some of the ways that our government can maximize investments to stimulate growth and produce positive results for our country. The main estimates tabled in May outline priority investments in housing, the Canadian Armed Forces, indigenous communities, dental care, border services and veterans' benefits. They also include transfer payments to the provinces and territories, such as payments for health care and payments to individuals, like benefits for seniors and persons with disabilities. Today I will highlight some of these important investments that our government believes will have a lasting impact.”
“Mr. Chair, again, I have a quick question for the minister. How are we striking the balance between slowing down temporary immigration while ensuring Canada has the talent it needs to build for success?”
“Mr. Chair, as we all know in the House, immigration is certainly crucial to our communities. In Atlantic Canada, we certainly see that we are in need of a population increase, because we are seeing a population decline, but we also want to ensure that we set up our immigrants for success. I understand that we are stabilizing immigration levels in the next few years while also committing to reducing temporary immigration to less than 5% of total national population by 2027. Could the minister outline the work we are doing to achieve this commitment and explain why it is so important for Canada?”
“Mr. Chair, when I look at the estimates before us, it is clear that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is focused on critical programs to support newcomers' success while restoring balance to our system. Could the minister elaborate on why funding programs like the interim federal health program and the interim housing assistance plan are so important to the vitality of our programs?”
“The investments the department is requesting would help Canada respond to global displacement pressures while creating the operational efficiencies that reduce long—”
“Digital modernization reduces the need for time-consuming manual processing as semi-automated systems become more reliable tools. Better biometric capabilities prevent problems rather than fixing them after they occur. This is not just about managing the current situation. It is about building systems that will serve Canada well as the global landscape continues to evolve. Every dollar we invest in sustainable infrastructure and digital efficiency reduces the cost to Canadians in future years. These estimates represent a responsible approach to managing unprecedented challenges when it comes to immigration. They are designed to maintain Canada's humanitarian leadership while building the efficient, modern and fair systems that Canadians expect and newcomers deserve.”
“IRCC's crisis response programs are also maturing in ways that reduce costs. The programs supporting Afghan and Ukrainian nationals have evolved to require less operational support as the initial surge phase is behind us. The approach to new and ongoing situations, like in Gaza and Sudan, reflect lessons learned. These tailored approaches, combining family reunification pathways, work permits, study permits and status extensions, balance humanitarian needs with operational efficiency. The pattern here is clear: IRCC is requiring less in the way of reactive, crisis-driven funding and more for strategic investments that build capacity and create efficiencies and savings over the long term. The interim housing assistance program is moving from expensive hotel stays to sustainable infrastructure.”
“As the department extends fingerprint and photo requirements to more programs, including citizenship, both security and processing efficiencies will be enhanced. The necessary increases in funding requests are offset somewhat by reductions in spending in overall key areas. As expected, Canada's lower immigration targets mean the department can reduce its operational spending over the next three years. The cap on study permits and study applications, tightened controls on various permit streams and changes to the temporary foreign worker program are all reducing processing demands in these areas. This is not just about fewer applications. It is about more manageable and sustainable volumes that allow the department to maintain service standards under less pressure.”
“It is proving to be a convenient alternative that reduces the pressure on clients to go to physical offices and endure long lineups. The efficiency gains go well beyond the client experience. Digital solutions like automation and smart technology reduce paperwork, speed up decisions and build the department's capacity to handle surges in demand without proportional increases in staff. These system improvements will pay dividends for years to come. Finally, the department seeks to increase funding to sustain and expand its biometrics collection capabilities. This investment in secure identity verification would help prevent fraud and processing delays, which are far more expensive to address after the fact.”
“We certainly know, in Atlantic Canada, we are always facing labour force challenges. Crucially, the interim housing assistance program helps distribute the responsibility for supporting asylum claimants more equitably across the country. Rather than allowing unsustainable pressure to build in a few jurisdictions, we are creating a system that works for everyone. Third is digital platform modernization. This initiative represents exactly the kind of upfront investments that generate significant operational savings downstream. Through this initiative, IRCC has been introducing streamlined online platforms that offer clients simpler application processes and real-time updates. The online passport renewal service is a perfect example.”
“Our collaborative approach with provinces and territories has enabled innovative solutions. Take the voluntary relocation initiative, for example, in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador and my home province of New Brunswick. Supporting asylum claimants who choose to relocate from where they initially arrived is helping to address housing pressures in high-demand areas like Ontario and Quebec, while providing claimants with more stability and opportunities during their time in Canada. This program has been very beneficial in my home province of New Brunswick. (2015) Both claimants and the communities that welcome them benefit. Claimants get appropriate housing and employment opportunities through access to temporary work permits, while communities get a chance to address their short-term labour needs.”
“Second, the interim housing assistance program, or as we like to refer to it, IHAP, provides funding to provinces and municipal governments to address interim housing pressures due to increased volumes of asylum claimants. This program has evolved significantly from its original form, which was focused on emergency shelters and hotel placements. Crisis response is not only more expensive; it is less helpful for both claimants and communities. The renewed IHAP model prioritizes building reception centres and sustainable temporary housing. The shift represents a fundamental change in how we think about these investments. Instead of paying recurring emergency costs year after year, the government is supporting jurisdictions in building infrastructure that serves multiple purposes and creates lasting value.”
“First of all, the department seeks additional funding for the interim federal health program. This program provides basic but essential health care coverage to a range of vulnerable individuals, most notably asylum claimants, from the time they make their claim until they either transition to provincial health care or leave Canada. However, this is not just about managing current caseloads. The investments the government is making in system modernization and processing efficiency will reduce the time people spend in Canada's asylum system, which directly reduces per case costs over time. Faster, fairer decisions lead to a range of benefits, from more efficient use of interim health services to quicker outcomes for individuals and better planning for provinces as people transition through the system.”
“At the same time, we are decreasing our immigration targets to more sustainable and responsible levels. This creates a challenge. As volumes grow and application streams diversify, the department must maintain timely and fair decision-making, while investing in tools and systems that support greater efficiency and long-term capacity. The investments the government is requesting are designed to meet urgent humanitarian needs, while creating operational improvements and long-term savings. Today's main estimates reflect these realities. They include both critical funding increases in areas under acute pressure and reductions in areas where demand has stabilized or where the department has achieved efficiencies. Let me talk members through both sides of this equation.”
“[ English ] This evening, I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's funding requests in the main estimates for 2025-26. Canada's ability to attract global talent, fill critical labour shortage and grow our economy depends on a well-run, forward-thinking immigration system. Whether supporting workers in health care and construction or helping businesses find people with the skills they need to grow, immigration remains a vital economic lever across our country. At the same time, the system must also be equipped to respond to growing humanitarian pressures. This dual responsibility is reflected in the main estimates that are before us. More people are being forced from their home countries by conflict, persecution and climate disasters than at any time in recent history.”
“Mr. Chair, before I begin my formal speech, I would like to take a moment to thank the people of Moncton—Dieppe, who have given me the privilege of serving them in the House of Commons for a fourth time. I would also like to take a moment to thank my team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the election went well once again. I also want to thank my campaign co-managers, Jake and Dan, and the hundreds of volunteers who made calls, knocked on doors and put up signs throughout our wonderful riding. Lastly, I would like to give a special shout-out to my husband, Brock, who has been by my side for over 30 years. He is probably my hardest-working volunteer, and I want to thank him once again from the bottom of my heart.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague from Québec Centre, who did an incredible job with the Canadian dental care plan. I want to ask him a question about affordability. Over the past few years, our government has implemented a number of programs to help families. I would like my colleague to talk more specifically about how the Canadian dental care plan has changed the lives of families in Canada and Quebec.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, let me congratulate you on your new role in the House. I always appreciate the interventions of my hon. colleague from Laurentides—Labelle in the House. I look forward to working with her during the 45th Parliament. The member mentioned that she had been involved in community work for the past two decades. I also engaged in community work as a social worker back home in the beautiful region of Moncton—Dieppe. That said, the member says that the government is handing out goodies. I dare say that, for the people back home, the tax cut that takes effect on July 1 is not a goody. It is real help. Does my colleague not think that this tax cut will truly help families in Quebec and across Canada?”