Iqra Khalid
Mississauga—Erin Mills, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Canadians across the country want to know that election law is not only well written but also actually enforceable. This legislation would expand accountability to include those who are party to a violation, as well as those who conspire, attempt, advise or act as accessories after the fact.”
“Bill C-25 would prevent political parties from accepting anonymous or untraceable contributions, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid gift cards, money orders and other prepaid products. It would strengthen restrictions on third parties and foreign entities involved in regulated political activities.”
“As the member of Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse communities in the country. One fact that unites all citizens in my riding is that democracy depends on trust.”
“Mr. Speaker, I was not born in Canada, but Canada is my adopted home. It is a place that I am very loyal to and committed to. As the member of Parliament representing the beautiful riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills, which is so diverse, with over 43 languages spoken there, I can talk about Bill C-25 and the importance of not just the perce…”
“They expect laws that keep pace with modern threats, whether those threats come in the form of foreign interference, digital deception, dark money or intimidation aimed at political candidates. One practical problem the bill would address is the issue of unduly long ballots.”
“For citizens who care deeply about privacy, security and responsible public institutions, these are not minor administrative details; they are essential to our democratic confidence. (1940) This bill is also important because it is grounded in expert recommendations.”
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“Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for the phenomenal presentation. I am a young, brown, Muslim woman who represents my constituents in my riding of Mississauga—Erin Mills. The amount of hate that I and my colleagues who are similar to me, women in professional atmospheres, face on a regular basis is oftentimes devastating and hurtful to our functioning as individual citizens and as members of Parliament. Maybe the minister can help us by clarifying how Bill C-9 would help support women, especially those of colour, to continue to give back to Canada and build our communities stronger.”
“Canada needs to invest in our young cricketers representing us all over the world. We are hopeful that we can continue to pitch for peace to build a stronger nation.”
“Mr. Speaker, cricket has come to Ottawa. Today we are joined by Canadians representing over 300,000 women and men who play cricket across our country and millions who watch and cheer the sport. Today is the third annual cricket match between Canadian parliamentarians and the Commonwealth diplomats, when they will square off and pitch for peace. Today is more than just about sports. It is about building friendships across the world celebrating cricket's growth here in Canada. For many MPs, senators and diplomats, today will be their first time playing cricket, but it will not be their last. I want to thank all the representatives of cricket who have joined us from coast to coast to coast. I thank Hassan Mirza, president of Canadian College and University Cricket, for his leadership and help in putting this together.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I say often and as I say loudly, there is no government without a healthy and strong opposition. That is where good legislation comes from. In order for us to really think about the issues that we are discussing here today, in order for us to really work and collaborate together for the betterment of Canadians, the bill has to go to committee, so that not only do we hear about members' concerns, but most importantly, we hear from experts on specific aspects of the bill and propose amendments to make the bill stronger, so that both of our concerns are addressed. Those concerns are public safety and individual security.”
“Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Safety have announced that there will be 1,000 more CBSA officers to help patrol. As the work starts and continues, we have to be nimble. We have to make sure that our border patrol has the resources it needs in order to be successful. As I said in my speech, it is a changing landscape where we have the digital aspect of it and we have the physical aspect of it. Organized criminals are oftentimes 10 steps ahead of where we are, and we need to make sure that we are catching up with that pace. I look forward to working with the member to make sure we have that support—”
“Mr. Speaker, I think the member is talking about the ISPs and wiretaps on our phones. There are a number of different acts and laws that really combat this issue. From my understanding, there is no specific provision that says that, without a warrant, we can go and take somebody's data. Again, as we go through the bill process, I am looking forward to seeing how all of this information and the details and the technicalities come out within the committee stage, as well as to hearing from experts, to see how we can improve this bill to make sure that everybody's rights are protected.”
“However, I also want to make sure that our laws are fit for purpose and that individual Canadians are well respected per their rights in our charter and Constitution.”
“The majority of Canadians are strong, law-abiding, friendly, amazing people, and they should not have their rights stepped on because of a few nefarious actors. Having said that, we need to explore a little further what the balance could be between the very legitimate and well-founded concerns that civil society organizations have raised and the needs of our country and law enforcement with regard to safety and security. I find it to be an amazing step forward for our Prime Minister to say that we will have over 1,000 new CBSA officers providing resources on the ground for border safety and security, trying to combat drug trafficking, sex trafficking and money laundering, and trying to clamp down on organized crime.”
“I think that, yes, we absolutely have obligations to our allies and partners, whether it is the Five Eyes, NATO or other partners, but first and foremost, we need to decide how we are going to protect Canadians and what our international obligations are with respect to privacy and human rights, and make sure that Bill C-2 conforms to that as well. We have a very robust judicial system that will eke out exactly how we need to ensure this is regulated. I realize that I only have two minutes left. I have a lot more to say, but I want to reinforce that this whole debate is not about the technicalities of the bill per se. I think it is a broader conversation about how we balance our need for public safety and security against our individual rights as Canadians.”
“It goes across how we use our social media, how our Internet use is sold to third parties, how it is used to advertise and how it is used to basically figure out a pattern of who we are as people. There needs to be a deeper dive not just at the border, but all across the digital world we live in here in Canada. Where is our information stored? Who is it shared with? Where Bill C-2 addresses a part of that, I think we need to go a little further and expand it, perhaps in different legislation, to look at how we are protecting Canadians' data and their privacy, regardless of where they are within the country. That is a very important aspect of providing safety to Canadians. One part that does trouble me a bit is about sharing the data of Canadians with international partners.”
“(1835) When we talk about reasonable suspicion as a ground to open mail, I have some concerns about that, but ultimately, when we are talking about giving discretion to our law enforcement officers, the people we trust to hold office, that discretion needs to be honoured and valued. It also needs to ensure there is no systemic bias within that process. Somebody from a specific country should not be targeted, nor should they raise the reasonable suspicion of a mail officer or border officer. There are many other ways to do that. One major concern that has been raised is with respect to privacy, an issue of our time. It is not just about the privacy that we have regarding our phones and data tracking at the border. It goes across all ways.”
“However, if we read the bill, specifically part 11, line 136, and the exemptions for section 5 of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, we see that there are exemptions for financial institutions, credit unions, etc., that would allow legitimate activity to happen. The intention of this bill is to go after the clandestine or nefarious nature of a money transfer. There is another claim, which I have heard members talk about in the House today, about our mail being opened. Under our current law, that is already allowed. However, the bill would remove the section on exempting our letters so that it not just about our parcels.”
“The association goes on to say: The proposed Bill demonstrates a commitment to modernizing legislation and equipping law enforcement with necessary tools to combat transnational organized crime in an increasingly complex threat environment. In particular, the Bill sets out several important law amendments which will address systemic vulnerabilities within the justice system, providing critical tools for law enforcement, border services and intelligence agencies. I think those are very important pieces to this legislation. A number of issues have also been raised by civil society. However, I will first address some of the items this bill would and would not do that have been sensationalized and perhaps used to misinform the public. There have been talks about a ban on cash transactions over $10,000.”
“A number of concerns have been raised about this bill, but I want to talk about some of the positive things that have been brought about. For example, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has said: Canada lags behind its international law enforcement partners in the ability to lawfully access electronic evidence associated to criminal activity. Transnational organised crime groups are exploiting this gap to victimize our communities across the country through serious crimes such as human, drug and firearm trafficking, auto theft, and violent profit-driven crime. These are serious things, and we need to equip our law enforcement, as they are dealing with and protecting our borders and our communities.”
“We want to make sure that fentanyl is not going between borders and, most importantly, is not ending up in the hands of the vulnerable communities all across Canada that suffer for it. At the same time, though, we want to make sure the majority of Canadians do not suffer for our collective safety. That balance is what this debate is all about, and that balance is what I am hoping the discussion at committee will be about. I am willing to support this bill to ensure that collective Canadian safety is paramount to where we are going with it, but at the same time, providing safeguards to individual Canadians is just as important. We want to make sure that we are not only collectively safe, but individually safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am on my feet today to talk about Bill C-2 because I strongly feel there is a balance to be struck between public safety and the safety of our collective community in Canada and of our country, and the safety of individual rights. I think everybody in this House wants to go after child sex offenders transnationally. We want to make sure that law enforcement is modernized and has the tools it needs to go after bad guys. All of us want to crack down on money laundering, stop the cash flow of organized crime and deprive organized criminals of their illegal profits. We want to stop auto theft and ensure that our vehicles remain within our country and are not exported abroad and sold. We want to make sure that drug production comes to a halt.”
“Mr. Speaker, what are the important things that this bill covers, why is Bill C-2 necessary in terms of our border security, and how are we going to work with our partners as we go through the bill's stages? Right now, it is at second reading and it will go into committee. How do we manage our relationships and collaborate to make sure that this bill is the perfect bill that would help Canadians in ensuring border safety and security?”
“Mr. Speaker, it was a busy summer in Mississauga—Erin Mills. I met with constituents across my riding, listening to their concerns and their hopes for the future of Canada. I hosted my annual community barbecue, where thousands of neighbours and their families came together to enjoy a meal and connect with our community. I facilitated round tables for constructive solution finding and joined my community in their events and their celebrations. What I heard most clearly was a growing concern about crime. Families want safe streets, parents want peace of mind for their children, and seniors want security in their homes and online. These concerns cannot be ignored. We must be ready to meet the moment. Our priority must be to reduce crime, support families and ensure that Canadians feel secure where they live.”
“Together, we can ensure that Canadian businesses thrive, communities grow stronger and our economy remains as resilient as ever.”
“Mr. Speaker, all of us in this House are here to support our constituents. Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed partisanship to the detriment of Canadians. This summer, I challenge all members in this House, regardless of political affiliation, to stand up for Canadians by supporting small business. Small businesses across Canada continue to work hard and create jobs. Whether it is by travelling within Canada, shopping locally or choosing made-in-Canada products, we have the power to invest in our economy and strengthen our economy. As Canadians, we have all felt the impact of U.S. tariffs. It is now more important than ever to choose Canadian whenever possible. I will be doing just that as I head back to my riding this summer, and I encourage everyone to do so.”
“We owe it to them, and to everyone who has ever felt unsafe because of their identity, to do better, to protect Canadians against hate. Their lives mattered; their stories matter. We will remember, and we will act.”
“Mr. Speaker, it has been four years since we lost the Afzaal family, Madiha, Salman, Talat and Yumnah, in a horrific Islamophobic attack that left a nine-year-old orphaned and a community devastated. This was not just a hate crime; it was terrorism, driven by Islamophobia and targeted hate. More and more, we are experiencing violent hate in Canada that breaks hearts, steals lives and impedes our collective identity. We need to do better. We remember the Afzaal family not just for how their lives ended but for how they lived, with love and with hope for a strong future. Tomorrow, as families gather to celebrate Eid al-Adha, we are reminded that they should be here too, celebrating and surrounded by loved ones.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Winnipeg North, who, I believe, still holds the record for the most words spoken in this chamber. It is about one Canadian identity. It is about one Canadian economy. When we talk about removing barriers, we are also talking about indirectly impacting other issues that arise from these barriers. It is not just about the economy; it is about labour and it is about movement of people and how we can provide services. For example, a lawyer in Ontario should be able to practise all across the country. A business that is functioning out of Saskatchewan should be able to provide business all over the country. It is not only about leveraging our resources for the better; it is about uniting Canadians, connecting Canadians and building a stronger Canada for everybody.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his remarks. It gives me an opportunity to practise my French. [ English ] Quebec identity and francophone identity are part of Canadian identity, and we are going to continue to make sure that every single Canadian is well represented. I have francophones in my riding, just as New Brunswick does, just as the Atlantic provinces do, just as Alberta does and just as the rest of Canada does. French and the francophonie are very much part of Canadian identity, and I want to make sure that we are collective here in Canada as we deal with our external threats.”
“Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member on his re-election. The people of Canada spoke, and they elected a Liberal government. They also rejected Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative policies. When I talk about making sure that we work together collaboratively, I am talking on behalf of what I heard from constituents in my riding, who are saying, “Hey folks, we want you to get your stuff together. We want you to work together. We want you to represent all Canadian voices and one Canadian identity and make sure that you get things done in this Parliament.” I challenge the member: Can we do it or not?”
“I am willing to do that work, and I hope that all of my colleagues across all aisles here are willing to do that work also. In conclusion, the priorities that have been outlined in the Speech from the Throne represent the voices I heard in my constituency when I knocked on doors. They represent the conversations I had with my local mayor in Mississauga. They represent the conversations I had with our provincial parliamentarians in Ontario. They represent each and every person whose ideologies and fears were validated and heard through the Speech from the Throne. Going forward over this term, this is an excellent plan for making sure that each and every Canadian has the equality of opportunity to thrive and has the foundation needed to succeed, grow a family and be able to live a happy, united and strong Canadian life.”
“If each and every one of us in this Parliament puts aside partisan differences, comes together to build a strong, united Canada and talks about the interests of each and every one of our constituents first and foremost, then we are not a minority. We are the representatives of who we are as Canadians, what our identity is and where we need to go to protect Canada's sovereignty, to protect Canada strong and free. It is going to be a very interesting Parliament, I am sure. It is going to be a challenge to bring everyone together. I think this Speech from the Throne sets out key priorities to help us find common ground so we can put aside our partisan differences and actually talk about and find concrete solutions for the people who elected us and put us here in this chamber.”
“There are young people who need jobs in order to get a leg up within our communities and grow our economy. We must make sure that Canada represents itself in a strong way on the international front as well, not only in how we deal with our neighbours to the south, but also in how we deal with significant challenges across the world, whether they are about Gaza, Ukraine, China, Russia, Sudan or Yemen. Ultimately, Canada needs to stand by the rule of law internationally and make sure that we are doing right by our partners and allies. That comes from having a consistent, solid and significant approach to how we do business here in this House. My colleague from Winnipeg North mentioned that we have a strong minority, but I disagree with that, because I do not think we have a strong minority.”
“I have served on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, as a former chair of the all-party women's caucus, as the vice-chair for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and most recently as the parliamentary secretary for national revenue. I have a solid understanding of what it takes for Parliament to come together and find the concrete solutions that each and every single member here in our chamber has heard about from our constituents. (1620) I can talk about the dire need for housing and affordability to make sure that equality of opportunity exists for a single mom who is having a difficult time putting food on the table because she is a single earner. As to precarious housing, there are those who really need housing and cannot afford it.”
“What the King's speech really highlighted for me is what the action plan is going to look like going forward to make sure that we maintain our sovereignty and decrease instability and make sure not only that each and every Canadian has equality of opportunity to do everything and succeed in everything they want to succeed in, but also that those who are less fortunate and need that extra foundation also have that support. In my 10 years in Parliament, I have served as a member of the justice committee and the chair of the justice committee. I have served on the access to information, privacy and ethics committee and the public accounts committee.”
“I always wondered why that was, and I spent a lot of time working with volunteer organizations as a kid, whether it was my local library, food banks or art galleries, trying to understand what makes Canadians who we are. How are we so peaceful? How are we able to bring our differences together and utilize them for the betterment of each and every one of us? The reality of this over the past 25-year journey has been that it is not a flip of a switch, but a consistent, constant, determinative effort among all levels of government, civil society, grassroots organizations and indeed individual Canadians to make sure that we continue to build bridges among one another. Right now, Canada stands at a precipice. We are standing in a very insecure time. That is not because of who we are. A lot of it has to do with external factors.”
“I was really happy to hear the Speech from the Throne and am happy to talk about what it means to be Canadian, to talk about not only Canadian sovereignty and identity, but also the uniqueness of how we support one another and build community together. When I first moved to Canada as a young, impressionable 12-year-old girl coming from England, I was really surprised at how respectful our Canadian communities were. My front neighbours did not look like my side neighbours or my back neighbours, yet we continue to be one of the most peaceful and respectful communities in the world, as noted by leading organizations and the United Nations as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my thoughts and the thoughts of my constituents in support of the Speech from the Throne. I welcome you in that chair, and I look forward to working with all members of the House on the really important work we have to do. When I first ran back in 2014-15 to become a candidate for the Liberal Party, and then went on to become a member of Parliament for the best riding in Canada, Mississauga—Erin Mills, the main objective I had as a 28-year-old first-generation immigrant, young racialized woman and lawyer was to make sure that every single Canadian had equality of opportunity and the ability to utilize what we build here in Parliament and as government as a foundation to make sure they succeed and that all Canadians succeed, because when one Canadian is successful, all of us are successful.”
“We are focused on delivering real results, creating opportunity and removing interprovincial trade barriers to build one strong Canadian economy. Let us get to work.”
“Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your election, and through you I welcome all members of Parliament to the House. I look forward to working together as Canadians serving Canadians. I also want to thank the people of Mississauga—Erin Mills and my phenomenal team and volunteers for once again placing their trust in me. It is an honour to continue representing our beautiful community. Canadians have chosen a government, led by our Prime Minister , that is ready to meet the challenges ahead, such as global instability, threats to sovereignty and urgent pressures on housing and affordability. Our government has laid out a clear path: building a strong and inclusive economy, strengthening Canada's global role and deepening ties with our allies.”