Ruby Sahota
Brampton North—Caledon, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, on the day of his funeral, I ask all members to join me in honouring OPP Constable Tarun Bali, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and in extending our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and fellow officers.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians have questions, victims have questions and the police chiefs have questions as to why it has taken so long for Bill C-22 , which was originally Bill C-2 , to get through the legislative process. Every day that we wait, more and more victims are created in Canada.”
“Mr. Speaker, where are the Conservatives who used to care about protecting Canadians? They are not in this House. It is the government that has committed to protecting Canadians through our various bills that we have progressed through this House.”
“Madam Speaker, throughout the debate, I have heard the Conservatives make reference to, “Why do we need this bill at all? We already have existing laws.” It is really surprising to me, hearing that come from the Conservatives, considering they claim to be tough on crime and want longer sentences.”
“Mr. Speaker, this Conservative opposition is not about scrutinizing bills. We are up for scrutiny. We have amended many of our bills, including Bill C-22 .”
“Mr. Speaker, the member talks about underlying crimes that are in the code already, such as assault or mischief. This bill would take the penalties for those crimes and double them for people who would dare prevent somebody from going into their synagogue.”
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“Mr. Speaker, allow me to thank Chief Nishan Duraiappah, who is here in Ottawa today to collaborate with our new government on public safety. I thank the dedicated officers of Peel police, who, through project outsource, have dealt a significant blow against criminal networks responsible for intimidating and harming members of our community. The strong borders act would give police across the country the tools needed to replicate the success of project outsource. Organized crime should be on high alert. Canada's new government will do what it takes to dismantle their networks, seize their guns—”
“Mr. Speaker, every Canadian should feel safe in their community, especially in their home. We will automatically revoke gun licences for individuals convicted of intimate partner violence offences and those subject to protection orders. We are delivering on the recommendations made by the Mass Casualty Commission related to community safety, policing and countering gender-based violence. The implementation of the national action plan to combat gender-based violence continues to support the work of building a Canada free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors and their families no matter where they live.”
“Mr. Speaker, this new government is committed to working collaboratively with the provinces to ensure that our bail system works. Bail is administered by the provinces through provincial judges and provincial courts and by Crown provincial prosecutors. They, too, should be given the resources and the tools that are needed, and they should have the space that is necessary to hold these criminals accountable.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again, yesterday was a good day. Project Outsource was a big bust. It is why our government is committed to introducing new legislation that would toughen bail rules for serious offences and ensure sentences match the severity of crimes. We are working hard to make sure law enforcement has the tools it needs to investigate, to catch, to prosecute and to put criminals behind bars.”
“Mr. Speaker, this new government was given a strong mandate from Canadians to keep our communities safe, and we will do exactly that. We are committed to hiring 1,000 new CBSA officers and 1,000 more RCMP personnel to secure our borders and to keep our streets safe. We will make it tougher for violent criminals to get bail and impose stricter sentences for repeat violent offenders. This government is acting quickly. We brought in Bill C-2 immediately, to provide police with the tools necessary to catch criminals.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will agree with the member that yesterday was a big day. Project Outsource was a big win for Canada. It was a big win for Peel region. I want to thank the officers of Peel Regional Police, Halton, York, the RCMP and everyone who was involved in this investigation. When it comes to bail, the law says people who are a risk to public safety or of flight should not be given bail. It is important that the provinces, which administer justice, also make sure the criminal courts under the provincial jurisdiction function as they should.”
“Mr. Speaker, we will hold extortionists accountable. Just yesterday, I was at a big announcement with Peel Regional Police. Eighteen extortionists were caught, involved in a criminal organization. This is a big accomplishment. We are striking them where it counts. Criminals will be investigated. They will be charged. They will be sentenced. Extortion carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; a minimum sentence, when done with a firearm, of five years; and with—”
“Mr. Speaker, the new government is focused on making sure that victims are put first. Previously, bail reform was brought in to make it harder for perpetrators of domestic violence to be released. We will continue to do the important work needed to make laws stricter and make sure that bail is tougher to get.”
“Madam Speaker, once again, we are going to bring forward bail legislation in the coming months. We are working hard to make sure feedback is being taken from all our policing agencies. We are going to do whatever it takes to protect Canadians. We are working hard to make sure we strengthen this regime, but provinces, too, have a role to play in the administration of justice.”
“Madam Speaker, I have said before that we are committed to making it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and we are going to impose stricter sentences for repeat violent offenders. The provinces, too, have a role to play. We have had these discussions with provinces. Some provinces have been stepping forward. We look forward to working with our provinces and territories to make sure that Canadians are safe. We will stop at nothing to protect Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, this new government is taking community safety very seriously. We have committed ourselves to bail reform for repeat violent offenders, for those who are involved in home invasions, auto theft, human smuggling and drug trafficking. However, let me be clear: The provinces and territories also have a critical role to play. I am glad to see that the Province of Ontario has taken some steps. We welcome Premier Ford's announcement to strengthen Ontario's bail system. I hope other provinces also follow suit—”
“Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that the member hardly spoke about anything that is in this bill. I think he is awaiting the forthcoming justice bill that we will introduce. I believe he could use this speech at that time, because the justice bill will include many of these measures. I do want to talk about some things that we can constructively work on. One thing is that this bill exists because there were gaps. These gaps also existed under previous Conservative governments. Under previous Conservative governments, there was no limit on how much cash could be spent on goods in this country. There were not these provisions. There were the same immigration rules. This bill exists because this new Liberal government is getting tough on crime and recognizes that we need to fill the gaps in order to keep Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in question period today, the provinces have a very important role to play when it comes to the administration of justice. If somebody is a public threat to society, at risk of reoffending or at risk of flight, the law currently states that they should not receive bail. I believe the provinces should also do their part. We are going to do ours.”
“Mr. Speaker, that question is excellent. We have been talking about the crime that is prevalent in our communities, like auto theft, as well as criminal organizations trafficking guns, human trafficking, all these different types of things. This bill would give law enforcement the ability to modernize and keep up with the new techniques that criminal organizations are using, especially those that are exploiting our children. It has been a long time since we have modernized our acts and the authorities that we give law enforcement. I think that is very important. There are safeguards in place. There are safeguards to each measure. We have to have reasonable suspicion in some cases, and in other cases we have to have court oversight. Courts will oversee this whole process.”
“Mr. Speaker, the police authorities would have to access a warrant from the court. It would not be the case that Canada Post employees would randomly open up pieces of mail. This would give our policing authorities, the CBSA, and the RCMP in particular, the ability to get a warrant in order to open the mail. It is currently being done with FedEx, Purolator and all other types of mail. The only restriction was with Canada Post, so this would be in line with all the other methods we have in place.”
“Mr. Speaker, if I say it here today, I do not think members and most Canadians would believe it: Even with a warrant, our authorities are unable to search Canada Post mail. The bill would allow the authorities to access a general warrant from a court so they could capture fentanyl or parts being imported to modify guns for people to make their own assault rifles here in Canada. These are very important measures we need to give law enforcement in order to keep our streets safe. I think Canadians expect us to have these provisions in place.”
“For instance, the Canadian Police Association has described Bill C-2 's provisions as “crucial” and concluded that, “If passed, this proposed legislation would provide critical new tools for law enforcement, border services, and intelligence agencies to address transnational organized crime, auto theft, firearms, drug trafficking, and money laundering.” The updates would help ensure that Canadian police officers have the tools and intelligence they need to hold offenders accountable regardless of where they operate. The bill is an important first step in the current Parliament's efforts to combat crime. Canadians expect us to act; let us not let them down.”
“New provisions concerning lawful access and intelligence sharing would empower our law enforcement agencies and security agencies to intercept stolen vehicles and dismantle organized crime networks involved in things like extortion and child exploitation. I can assure members that we will never stop putting the safety of our communities first. Canadians are calling out for decisive action, and we are here to deliver. Already, law enforcement agencies and security organizations are coming out in support of the legislation.”
“Mr. Speaker, the strong borders act would choke off organized crime groups from profits stemming from drug and firearms, trafficking and human smuggling. We will continue to make the safety and security of Canadians and our country a priority. Canadians know the true value of the rule of law. We would be protecting that with the bill before us. We are proposing the legislation to ensure that law enforcement and intelligence at all levels would have the tools, authority and resources they need to do their job and to keep pace with new and sophisticated methods used by criminal organizations. By strengthening our border, we would stamp out the traffic in illegal firearms and fentanyl.”
“Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to say that the bill we have tabled and are debating today is going to make it easier for our policing authorities to be able to catch predators for child exploitation. As I have said before, we are committed to making it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and we are going to impose stricter sentences for repeat offenders. As I have said before, the provinces have a huge role to play in the administration of justice, and bail is given by provincial courts. They must do their part as well. The current law states that people who are a risk to the public—”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to take an opportunity to say that today we are debating Bill C-2 , one of the first measures this government has taken to make our streets safer. We are committed to doing the work that is necessary, and there is also good news. The chief of police of Toronto has stated that auto thefts have decreased by nearly 39%, home invasions are down 42%, homicides are down 67% and shootings are down 46%. We will be there to protect Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, we are committed to making it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and we will impose stricter sentences for repeat violent offenders. However, let me be clear. The provinces and territories have a critical role to play in the administration of bail. They must ensure that they have the capacity needed when it comes to prosecutors, judges, JPs and jails, just to name a few things. This is imperative in order to get our streets safe. The law currently says that people who are at risk of reoffending or a flight risk should not be given bail.”
“This important step would give the government and law enforcement the ability to stay ahead of those who would profit from fentanyl production and distribution. Furthermore, we are creating a new Canadian drug analysis centre that would allow for a more specialized analysis of synthetic drug samples. This centre would be able to go beyond simply identifying the components of a sample and would instead look at markets to determine how and where the substances were manufactured. Knowing that transnational organized crime groups depend on illicit money to keep their operations going—”
“(1355) Amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act would allow police to search and seize contraband such as fentanyl from Canada Post mail with a general warrant. This charge would help indigenous communities and rural municipalities in their efforts to intercept dangerous illegal drugs that are clandestinely shipped through the mail. Canada recently demonstrated it can move quickly to ban precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl via the temporary accelerated scheduling pathway under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Bill C-2 proposes amendments that would allow chemicals in this pathway to quickly be regulated under the precursor control regulations. It is clear that we must strengthen our laws to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs both within Canada and around the world.”
“It is now time to take our efforts further through legislation. Bill C-2 would improve the tools and authorities that Canadian law enforcement needs to fight crime. For instance, communities across Canada have been shocked by the increase in deaths caused by illegal fentanyl. Fentanyl's devastating effect can be felt on individuals, families and communities. Every member of this House knows someone who has been affected by this public health crisis. Through this proposed act, our work to secure the border, we are tackling the fentanyl crisis and its precursors head-on. To increase our detection capabilities, we are training and deploying new border detector dogs that specialize in uncovering smuggled drugs.”
“The border plan has built up our information and intelligence-sharing capacity among federal, provincial and territorial authorities, as well as with our international partners. Investment in drones, helicopters, sensors and other detection technologies ensures that we are effectively monitoring our whole border. We will continue to work with Canada's fentanyl czar to coordinate all levels of government and law enforcement to dismantle these networks. To support that aim, we have taken a major step in the fight against organized crime by listing seven transnational criminal cartels as terrorist entities under our Criminal Code. Listing is an important tool that helps support criminal investigations and strengthens the RCMP's ability to prevent, disrupt and prosecute criminal activities.”
“By giving border officers the authority to search goods for export, we are ensuring they have additional tools to recover stolen vehicles and seize illegal firearms and drugs. This legislation is building on the Government of Canada's $1.3-billion investment in border security through our Canada border plan. This spending is helping our law enforcement and intelligence agencies investigate and prosecute transnational organized crime groups, which have become increasingly more sophisticated in their use of new technologies like drones, 3-D printers and encrypted communications to carry out cross-border crimes. We cannot have a strong border without good intelligence.”
“We must do more to equip our law enforcement and intelligence agencies with the latest tools and technologies, do more to stop transnational organized crime from damaging communities and destroying lives with illegal guns and weapons, and do more to enable collaboration and information sharing among our security agencies, law enforcement partners and international allies. Bill C-2 is a crucial legislative step we must take to secure our border, support law enforcement and improve community safety. This government's top priority is to keep our communities safe and our economy thriving. Both of these objectives depend upon decisive measures to combat crime and keep our border safe and secure. The effects of improving our border security will be felt in cities and towns across Canada.”
“As the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime, I am really proud to play a role in supporting this government's initiative to keep Canada and our communities safe and secure. In April, Canadians gave this House a mandate to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians. Our country has professional, highly trained and hard-working security personnel. However, it is clear that the current tools and policies are insufficient to effectively counter the modern and emerging threats and challenges we face today. Now is the time for action.”
“Madam Speaker, now that I am not as crunched for time as I am in question period or at other opportunities, I would like to congratulate you on your reappointment as Assistant Deputy Speaker. I also want to thank the constituents of Brampton North—Caledon for electing me for a fourth mandate. I am committed to making sure that their voices are heard and that the issues they brought up to me during the election and in years prior are worked on effectively and efficiently. I want to thank my campaign team and my family at home, who have always supported me completely. I will now start my remarks on Bill C-2 , the bill we are talking about today. This is a wonderful opportunity, and it allows me to fulfill some of the commitments I have made to my constituents.”
“I wonder whether the member would agree with that, whether she finds that subscriber information and data privacy issues are really important, and whether it is really important to make these changes so we can keep up with the criminals.”
“Madam Speaker, I know that the member cares deeply about this issue. I hope she will support the piece of legislation, as it has been endorsed by many of our policing agencies as being important legislation. One organization I would like to mention in particular is the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. It has stated that the “proposed changes by the federal government...would reduce barriers Canadian police face when investigating the growing number of online crimes against children”. We have the full support of that organization, which has stated, and as we know today, that cybercrimes have evolved at a pace that government has not been able to keep up with.”
“Since the member is saying that many of those stakeholders reside within her riding, I want to know whether the member would be willing to work with those stakeholders to make sure this bill is not impeded and that we have support across party lines to carry this work forward and reduce the harm coming to Canadians with automobiles that are going outside of our country.”
“Madam Speaker, I first want to thank my colleague for her support and the Bloc's recommendations over time that have helped inform this bill. I appreciate that she is going to allow this bill to go to committee. I too hope the ports and the various operators involved will give their full support. The CBSA has seen at times in the past that there has not been full co-operation, which has hindered the ability of law enforcement to catch outgoing automobiles, which has become a big issue in the area I live in. I hope we will see that co-operation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank the minister for being so quick to present this bill in the House. There are needed provisions in this legislation that fill the gaps. As we know, we are dealing with a lot of sophisticated, organized criminal networks that are threatening our communities. These tools will help disrupt, dismantle and prosecute these individuals. I can think of some examples, and I know the minister named some in his speech: fentanyl trafficking, extortion, child exploitation and all the problems we are having that involve criminal organizations. I am wondering if the minister could provide some other examples of criminality that this bill would help solve.”
“Mr. Speaker, every sector of the economy in Canada should be doing its fair share when it comes to limiting pollution. That includes the oil and gas sector. Canada's largest oil and gas companies are already committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and I applaud them. Our measures are working. Canada's greenhouse gas pollution is going down. In every sector of the economy, Canadian workers are lowering greenhouse gas pollution in a way that creates good jobs and cleaner air. In the face of the increased flooding, wildfires and hurricanes from a change in climate, the government will continue to work with the oil and gas sector, provinces, territories, stakeholders and indigenous communities to promote clean innovation and the adoption of technologies to reduce emissions, including carbon capture, utilization and storage.”
“The clean energy revolution represents a tremendous economic opportunity for Canada to be more globally competitive while fighting climate change. I believe that no Canadian wants our country to be left behind. Enabling Canada to become the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy will in turn sustain hundreds of thousands of good careers in the skilled trades. Despite the many economic challenges Canada is currently facing, we must not forget that the climate change emergency remains. We need to look no further than the massive impacts that forest fires are having on communities and families in western Canada today. We cannot simply let up on our climate fight. The time is now to make a difference and ensure that we have the best possible future for everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker, the truth is that the Government of Canada is committed to making our country an energy superpower. I think we can agree about that. I say this at a time when our new government is laying the groundwork to build projects of national significance while fighting climate change and defending our economic sovereignty. If we want our country to remain competitive over the long term, we must not only diversify our country's energy production but also offer to produce oil and gas with the lowest possible emissions. By decarbonizing oil and gas production, we will position Canada as a supplier of choice for fossil fuels in a future that prioritizes low-carbon sources of production. For example, the European Union plans on imposing a fee on high-methane imports of oil and gas.”
“While the members opposite focus on rehashing and repeating questions that have already been addressed on many occasions and dealt with transparently, we remain focused on delivering for Canadians on the clear agenda they elected us to pursue.”
“Mr. Speaker, what Canadians need to know, and I will repeat it again, is that the Prime Minister has taken clear and deliberate steps to meet and exceed the expectations set out in the Conflict of Interest Act, which was passed by Parliament. He has proactively disclosed the required information to the Ethics Commissioner. Canada is recognized globally for having some of the strongest ethics and conflict of interest frameworks anywhere. That is not up for debate. These systems are in place to ensure that all public officials are held to account, and the Prime Minister has acted fully within the framework.”
“Canada is recognized globally for having some of the strongest ethics and conflict of interest frameworks anywhere. That is not up for debate. These systems are in place to ensure all public officials are held to account, and the Prime Minister has acted fully within this framework. That is what leadership looks like, and that is the kind of leadership the Prime Minister has shown. On this side of the House, we take seriously the responsibility of earning and maintaining the trust of Canadians. That trust is not automatic. It must be earned through transparency, responsibility and respect for our institutions. While so many choose to focus on spectacle, we will stay focused on the work that matters, upholding the public trust and delivering for Canadians to build a strong Canada. That is our commitment, and Canadians count on us.”
“That is what Canadians should expect from a prime minister, a standard of conduct that reflects the seriousness of the office and the trust placed in it by the public. We have heard concerns raised by members opposite, and in some instances, we have seen these questions turn into political theatre. Let us be clear. Without evidence, this does more than just distract from serious debate. It damages the credibility of the House. It erodes public trust, not to serve democracy, but to serve partisan ends. While the members opposite focus on rehashing and repeating questions that have already been addressed on many occasions and dealt with transparently, we remain focused on delivering for Canadians on the clear agenda they elected us to pursue.”
“Mr. Speaker, respecting Canada's ethics rules is not optional. It is an essential part of serving in public office. These rules exist to safeguard the trust Canadians place in their democratic institutions. The Prime Minister and every member of the House, regardless of their role or political affiliation, is expected to uphold them. What Canadians need to know is that the Prime Minister has taken clear and deliberate steps to meet and exceed the expectations set out in the Conflict of Interest Act. He has proactively disclosed the required information to the Ethics Commissioner. That sets the kind of example we should all strive to follow, whether one is in cabinet, on the opposition benches or a newly elected member to this chamber.”
“Mr. Speaker, one of the first measures the new government has taken is to present a stronger borders act. It would crack down on fentanyl, auto theft, money laundering, illegal firearms, irregular migration and organized crime. It would also make it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and impose stricter sentences on repeat offenders. We will work until violent criminals are put behind bars. The government will do everything it takes to make Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, extortion is a serious crime and we are taking it seriously. Extortion carries a penalty of life in prison in Canada. That is extremely serious. If committed with a firearm, there are minimum sentences as well. We will act decisively to strengthen the Criminal Code and move aggressively to protect victims by making bail laws stricter for violent, organized criminals. We will work closely with the RCMP and local police across the country. We created a task force. There is more work to do. We are investigating these serious issues, and I hope the criminals—”
“Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to sympathize with the family of the innocent bystander. Her family lives in my riding and I have met with them. This issue is close to home for me and is one I am committed to in my position. I know the Prime Minister is committed to it. We are going to make changes. This new government is committed to making sure that we hold criminals accountable and make our streets safer. We are going to do the work that is necessary, making bail penalties stricter and sentences stricter, and do all the work we need to do across—”
“Mr. Speaker, Liberals stand with all of our frontline officers within Peel Regional Police and all police agencies across the country. We are partnering with their services, and we are going to fight organized crime. We will make it tougher for violent criminals to get bail, and we will impose stricter sentences for repeat violent offenders. The chief of police for Toronto has reported that auto thefts have decreased by nearly 39%, home invasions are down 42%, homicides are down 67% and shootings are down 46%. We will continue to be tough on crime.”
“Mr. Speaker, you heard it in the throne speech yesterday: It is a top priority of this new government. We are partnering with police services across this country to fight organized crime. We will make it tougher for violent criminals to get bail. We will impose stricter sentences for repeat offenders. We are serious. We are going to get to work, and we are going to fight crime.”