Bardish Chagger
Waterloo, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister reminding us what this bill is about. It is about working with provinces and territories and providing them with the levers to help Canadians. Even on a bill so simple, we hear the opposition talking about the importance of having debate and conversation.”
“When people want us to work, when Canadians are hurting and want us to serve, the Conservatives cannot fathom the government succeeding in doing well for Canadians. They would rather keep advancing their narrative than help their own constituents, neighbours and fellow Canadians.”
“Madam Speaker, I find some of the comments from the official opposition interesting, especially when comments are made that 30 hours of debate is not enough. I agree that we want to raise different perspectives. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo have a diversity of perspectives.”
“I would like to hear the member's thoughts as to why the Conservatives are taking the approach that the federal government does not have a role to play. Why are they so concerned that the federal government will help Canadians and give them a hand?”
“Mr. Speaker, the member's comments about really being there to meet Canadians with what they need and finding out ways to do it are not lost on me. Just last month, the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta stated in a press release that they are going to invest $323 million in affordable housing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thought that the last exchange was interesting. We just received an example of a Conservative member's wanting more investment in housing and more affordable housing built, recognizing that his constituents need the federal government to play a role, yet rather than working with the government to ensure that we can have mor…”
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“Their advertising is restricted, and their promotion and regulation are grounded in a public framework that prioritizes harm reduction, particularly for young, vulnerable people. These harms have all been treated with a national coordinated approach that has been shown to be effective. June 29, 2026, will mark the fifth anniversary of legalizing sports betting in Canada. Enough time has now passed since the expansion for its impacts to become increasingly visible. A recent report released this past November by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction found that 9.1% of Canadians are classified as experiencing problem gambling. The people most affected by problem gambling harms were those who engaged primarily in online gambling, specifically young men aged 18 to 29.”
“The apps have their own version of the endless scroll, with a constantly updating menu of things to bet on. ...“Imagine being a gambling addict and always having a slot machine in your pocket except you also need that slot machine to stay in touch with friends [and] family, to get jobs and contact co-workers, for banking, for navigation.” The list goes on. Online expansion of sports gambling promotion has made access to abuse easier, while the consequences feel less severe. Public safety is a top priority for the Government of Canada. The health and safety of Canadians is, at minimum, a shared responsibility. Canada has long recognized that addictive products require a different regulatory approach. Tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and vaping products are all legal but are not treated as ordinary consumer goods.”
“The sort of addiction we have with our phones and social media, which we have all been guilty of at one time or another, applies directly to gambling habits as well. An article that was shared with me, from the American Institute for Boys and Men, states: Beyond easier access, much of the increase in online gambling is due to the fact that gambling companies have engineered their games to be ever more difficult to resist. They feature the same behavioral nudges and dopamine delivery mechanisms as social media platforms. These are not your grandparents’ slot machines. Every part of a gambling app is designed to be fun, easy to use and hard to quit. After a cursory age-verification process...bettors can deposit money as easily as buying anything else online.”
“Sports betting is widely perceived as socially acceptable, even celebratory. It is framed as a way for fans to connect over their shared love of sports, making its abuse more persuasive than in traditional forms of gambling. As a result, the social acceptance, encouragement and normalization of sports betting significantly downplay its serious risks and set it apart from how other forms of traditional gambling are understood. (1755) The digital era has expanded access to sports gambling-related harm in an unprecedented manner. Whereas individuals once had to physically travel to a casino or other betting venue, today this access follows users around, with virtual betting sites existing in the user's pocket.”
“For a significant number of Canadians, gambling is addictive, with consequences that extend well beyond the individual to families, workplaces and communities. Problem gambling is associated with financial distress, mental health challenges, relationship breakdowns, and, in severe cases, self-harm. Sports betting is a unique and distinct form of gambling. Its abuse is deeply intertwined with users' love of sports: an activity that is rooted in community, identity and shared passion but that masks the true nature of the harm. Sports bettors often develop a perceived personal connection to the athletes and teams they wager on. This familiarity can create a false sense of expertise and control, leading individuals to believe they can outsmart the game and heightening their risk of larger financial losses and addiction at higher rates.”
“I will just give a reminder that less than five years ago, to gamble meant leaving one's home and going, most likely, to a casino. I will elaborate on this a little bit later. Many other countries, such as the U.K., Australia and Germany, have implemented similar policies to some degree. Italy has banned ads outright. Admittedly, for all these jurisdictions it remains a work in progress, but the takeaway is that other jurisdictions are at least doing something about it. Why are they? It is because they legalized sports betting well before we did, and they are reckoning with the outcomes. We have the benefit of foresight here. We can see where this is heading, and we cannot stand by and let our country and its citizens steer straight toward that iceberg by doing nothing. Gambling is not a benign form of entertainment for everyone.”
“To date, every other province or territory allows for single sports betting only through its own lottery corporation, yet I and my colleagues have heard from our constituents from coast to coast to coast that they are growing tired of and increasingly concerned by seeing advertisements pushing sports betting. Sending the bill to committee for a thorough and thoughtful study would go a long way in trying to make this right. I would like to thank my friend and colleague, the hon. member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore , for seconding the bill. I also appreciate that Bill S-211 has been joint-seconded by many colleagues spanning three political parties and seven provinces and one territory. I and many colleagues are eager to respond to the growing concerns of constituents and to determine the correct framework forward.”
“Members will recall that, in 2021, Parliament passed Bill C-218 , which amended the Criminal Code by removing the long-standing prohibition on betting on the outcomes of “a race...or fight, or on a single sport event or athletic contest.” It removed one line from the Criminal Code that referred to single sports betting. This, in effect, permitted provinces to allow for single sports betting in their own jurisdiction. It is interesting that the ads we see that permeate every phone and television screen across the country are all from Ontario, the one province, for now, where private companies are allowed to operate and advertise.”
“Sports betting is legal in Canada, yet constituents in Waterloo, as well as constituents across multiple provinces and territories, have shared concerns regarding the abundance of advertisements, which now often overshadow the sport itself. I have witnessed the joy of young people being given very basic equipment and facilities that allow them to learn and lead through sport. This is what sport should be. However, we are hearing directly from Canadians that the lines are being blurred. This is a problem we all bear some responsibility for. I include myself in this, as I voted in the 43rd Parliament for Bill C-218 , an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sports betting.”
“moved that Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising , be read the second time and referred to a committee. Bill S-211. Second reading She said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to second reading of Bill S-211 , an act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising. I would like to begin by thanking Senator Marty Deacon for her dedication in crafting the bill, alongside her colleagues in the Senate, who unanimously voted to send the bill forward to us in the House. Senator Deacon is a Canadian who has coached and led teams from the grassroots to the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games and the Pan American Games. She, like many members of the House, has witnessed first-hand what the power of sport and the opportunity of sport can be.”
“Mr. Speaker, constituents within the riding of Waterloo have asked me to present this petition on behalf of Falun Gong practitioners. The petitioners share that Falun Gong practitioners follow the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. They recognize the importance of relations between different countries, but they also value the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They would like us to uphold freedom of thought around the world, including for Falun Gong practitioners. The petitioners call on the Government of Canada to take stronger measures to protect the Falun Gong community, which is targeted by foreign repression among other things. The people who have signed the petition are practitioners, and they believe that the Falun Gong should have the ability to practise freely.”
“This International Development Week, I would like to thank all organizations, team members, volunteers and donors for their contributions to making Waterloo, Canada and the world a better place. Their efforts demonstrate what it means to be Canadian, and by working together, we can deliver prosperity through partnerships.”
“Mr. Speaker, International Development Week is a moment to reflect on how global challenges are connected and how smart investments can create lasting change. One of the major drivers of food insecurity is climate change, especially in the world's most vulnerable communities. That is why Canada is investing in women and economic empowerment as part of its international development efforts. I joined Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for a breakfast on the Hill. Speakers shared that Canada's ODA investments are delivering results, and that when women have access to resources, education and leadership opportunities, families eat better, communities grow stronger and local economies become more resilient.”
“We can always do better and do more, but it is important that we take the wins for our constituents to ensure that the government and all members of Parliament are able to deliver for constituents. I know that is what constituents in the riding of Waterloo want. What are the constituents in the riding of Calgary Centre expecting from members in the House?”
“Mr. Speaker, since the member entered this place, I have found him oftentimes to be reasonable. The words he shared today really demonstrate that, at least to constituents in the riding of Waterloo, who often ask if this House can be functional. Today, seeing the deputy leader of the Conservatives move a motion for this legislation to advance so Canadians can receive the supports they need is a demonstration that the House can function. We would like to see the House function on legislation such as the crime bills, and constituents in Waterloo would like to see that as well. I would like to hear from the member whether he agrees that we can have constructive feedback and conversation.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member for Yukon's sharing his insights. As someone who has visited Yukon Territory, I know it is a very different experience in the Yukon than it is for constituents within the riding of Waterloo. The constituents within the riding of Waterloo want members to work together. I know that the Conservatives had their convention this weekend and are coming with a new approach to say they want to help Canadians. The legislation would benefit the constituents in the riding of Waterloo. The sooner we can get it passed and enacted, the greater benefit they would receive, and sooner. I would like to hear from the member what the benefits would be to the Yukon, and what the benefit would be of all members' coming together to recognize the importance of helping Canadians during these times.”
“When the member refers to Canada's reputation on the international stage, I would like to hear the member's comments as to why Canada does not have a seat on the Security Council, because the first time we lost that seat in a decade was during the decade of darkness. I think that this member is one who wants to see her constituents and Canadians succeed when she talks about co-operation. I want to see the same for the riding of Waterloo. I would like to hear her comments on that and whether she agrees with former cabinet minister James Moore's comments that the Conservatives need to have a real plan and that anger cannot be their platform.”
“Madam Speaker, I also want to send some friendly new year's wishes, and I hope the 2026 season treats the member and her loved ones, and all constituents and Canadians, well. I listened intently to the member's comments, and I think today's debate has been an interesting one. I know that we use references to the government under the leadership of former prime minister Stephen Harper when it is convenient, and I know that when members on this side use that example, Conservatives say that it was decades ago. I think we need to recognize that sometimes actions take time before we can reap some of the benefits or the challenges that come with them.”
“I would like to hear from the member regarding what he is hearing from constituents on how we can better serve them, on some of the things the government is doing and on whether anything has changed with the Conservative Party, because we know this is not the party of our parents and grandparents. That is for sure.”
“Madam Speaker, I listened intently to the words of the parliamentary secretary , and it was pretty impressive to hear because I believe we can be very thoughtful in this place. It is interesting because the leader of the official opposition sent the Prime Minister a letter to say that we could co-operate, but it seems the Conservatives' approach remains exactly the way it has always been. It is the way they want it done, and it is not really to be constructive and productive. I have received several emails from constituents in the riding of Waterloo echoing the words of James Moore, who told the Conservatives that anger cannot be the solution and only approach, that there has to be thoughtful debate and dialogue, and that Canadians expect action.”
“Petitioners agree that laws and regulations, all rules, including our Standing Orders, should be followed, but payment platforms should not determine what a creator can create or a consumer can purchase.”
“Mr. Speaker, Carmen Tam, a constituent of the riding of Waterloo, created Petition e-6695. Today I rise to present it on behalf of 14,921 petitioners. Petitioners need the House and all Canadians to know that in 2025, online video game storefronts like Steam and Itch.io removed numerous games featuring adult sexual content because Mastercard, Visa and other payment platforms changed their policies to regulate adult entertainment. Petitioners share with the House that this sets an unsettling precedent of financial censorship. Petitioners are saying to let creators create and to let consumers choose. Payment processors should not be cultural gatekeepers. The petition demands the protection of consumer choice and creative expression against financial censorship.”
“I would like to hear the member's comments on the importance of having a competitive industry and a competitive economy, especially today, more than ever.”
“Madam Speaker, the comments shared by the member are quite refreshing. It was impressive that the Conservatives chose to amend their own motion but still came up short. What is even more interesting is that constituents within the riding of Waterloo recognize that the Conservatives actually never have a plan for the environment. Today, we see that when the Conservatives bring something forward, they do not recognize the importance of an industrial carbon price actually making our economy and our country more competitive. It is really important that we recognize the importance of working with different levels of government and with indigenous communities, another concept that the Conservatives just cannot understand.”
“Madam Speaker, the motion before the House today was moved by the Conservatives, who picked out a few parts of the agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. In my opinion, the full agreement is a document that gives the federal government, the provinces and indigenous communities a way of working together. Does the member agree that it is important for all levels of government and indigenous communities to work together and to have important discussions so that we can build a better future for all Canadians?”
“Madam Speaker, constituents within the riding of Waterloo have been talking about this MOU. It has definitely been gaining a lot of traction. They are noticing that it is a comprehensive document, which provides some certainty for investors and provides certainty for Canadians for the economy. They were pleased to see that the federal government is wanting to work with provinces and with indigenous communities, because it is the right approach. We should all be able to be at the table. Premier Smith has agreed that industrial carbon pricing is essential to attract investment and decarbonize production. Will the minister explain how strengthening Alberta's tier system is key to competitiveness?”
“At its core, the petition, initiated by Amy Ross and Sue Simpson from the riding of Waterloo, is about respecting people's self-determination and ensuring that no one is denied financial security because of outdated rules.”
“Mr. Speaker, petitioners raise an issue of equity and dignity, as well as of basic autonomy, for people with disabilities and their families. The RDSP is meant to secure a person's long-term financial future, yet petitioners raise that the current rules create unnecessary barriers that prevent many people from even opening a plan. When qualifying members lose their ability to act after 2026, and when only a narrow set of relatives are permitted, people will be left without support and could be forced into costly and intrusive legal processes that undermine their rights and independence. Petitioners calls on Parliament to extend and expand access so trusted supporters chosen by the individual can assist without delay, and to ensure that these practices are consistent across Canada.”
“They look at the ability to actually see that the Canadian Armed Forces are going to get the supports they deserve and need. I know this member served in uniform, and I thank him for his service to this country, as well as all men and women in uniform. An hon. member: Oh, oh! Hon. Bardish Chagger: I know the members opposite want to call time because I am talking about our armed forces and the important work they do, and the Conservatives have a history of chopping them. I would like to hear from the member why it is important we pass this legislation. Why can Conservatives not grasp that we are here to fight for Canadians? We have to leave some of our political stripes aside so we can ensure people in our communities can benefit.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour and privilege to represent the good people in my riding of Waterloo. It has been interesting because in my inbox, I am receiving several emails. I am receiving emails in regard to some of the challenging times Canadians are facing, and they see that in budget 2025, there is opportunity. They see some ability and some hope. They appreciate the national school food program. They appreciate that it would become a permanent program in Canada, not only for the days when times are tough, but for when they are not so tough. There are always going to be some families that struggle, and a program like that can ensure we help some of the most vulnerable in society. They look at the measures for homes, for people to build their first homes.”
“Petitioners are therefore calling on the House of Commons to require physicians offering medical opinions in federal or interprovincial child protection matters to hold certification. They are requesting that a second, independent expert opinion be offered or mandated, that national guidelines ensuring relevant medical conditions be ruled out before concluding that something is abuse, and that data be collected and published. In addition, because of past incidences, they are also calling for a national inquiry into wrongful apprehensions due to medical misdiagnosis. I am presenting this petition on behalf of constituents of the riding of Waterloo, parents primarily, as well as from people across the country.”
“Mr. Speaker, I met with a few constituents from the riding of Waterloo and also from ridings across the country, and today I present a petition that over 600 individuals have signed in regard to families in Canada that have wrongfully been separated due to what they suggest are flawed child abuse assessments by child abuse pediatricians. Petitioners note there is no legal requirement for a second, independent medical opinion before children are apprehended. They note there are medical conditions that can mimic signs of abuse, yet differential diagnoses are often not properly considered. They note there is no federal data collection on child abuse cases that are initially substantiated but later found to have had medical explanations.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the member's speech and the fact that he has actually paid attention to the debate going on today. What really struck me were the comments in regard to Canada's being a trading nation and the importance of opening up opportunities for Canadians and Canadian businesses. I know that Canadians within the region of Waterloo want access to global markets. They not only want to be able to sell to the Government of Canada; they also want our solutions to be solutions for other economies around the world so Canadian jobs and Canadian communities can benefit. I would love to hear the member's comments in regard to Canada's being a trading nation and how the Conservatives have changed their position on the importance of global trade.”
“We would love to hear what she feels the budget can deliver for Canadians and how it will actually benefit constituents in the riding of Waterloo, her constituents and Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciated the comments that were shared by the member and the contribution she makes in so many different ways. I really appreciated her opportunity to also talk about IP, intellectual property, which is really important in the riding of Waterloo. The University of Waterloo is notorious for ensuring that research academics actually own their IP so that they have a vested interest. I would love to hear from the member, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, in regard to the benefits of the budget. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo are really asking for constructive debate, ensuring that more Canadians can benefit. They recognize that the official opposition has just been dialing it in. They do not want to be constructive in their feedback. They do not want to be part of the solution.”
“Barbara Robinson is a professional engineer in the riding of Waterloo. She and dozens of other petitioners have signed a petition calling on the Government of Canada to update, to change, the National Building Code. The petitioners acknowledge that the National Building Code, part 3, makes no provision for menstruating women's needs in public toilet stalls. They raise the point that unless something is poo or pee, it should not go down the toilet, so pads and tampons should really have a space for disposal; therefore, adding to the code the necessity of having a garbage can in women's stalls is important. Citizens and residents of the riding and region of Waterloo are calling upon the Government of Canada to change the National Building Code to make provisions for public toilet stalls to meet the needs of people who menstruate.”
“I would like to understand from the member what he believes it is important for the Conservatives to do to help more Canadians and ensure that we can deliver, because that is the role we play.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the debate we are having today on this important legislation. Constituents in the riding of Waterloo have been sharing many comments and many concerns, so I was pleased to see that there were no report stage amendments and that we would go to debating the bill at third reading. We would like to see this bill passed so that Canadians can benefit from its impacts. Another thing Canadians are saying is that this House used to have constructive feedback coming from a strong opposition, and there has been a lack of that. It seems that the official opposition does not want programs to be improved and it does not want to offer constructive feedback to ensure that more Canadians can benefit. I understand that this legislation would benefit 22 million Canadians. We know times have been tough.”
“Mr. Speaker, within the Waterloo region are five ridings, and I am pleased to represent the good people of the riding of Waterloo. Dozens of constituents within the region of Waterloo have signed a petition calling on the Government of Canada to work with Prince Edward Island's special committee on poverty. They are talking about the guaranteed basic income program. A pilot within P.E.I. was suggested. Constituents would really like the Government of Canada to advance this important work to implement a guaranteed basic income program demonstration. I am pleased to present this petition on their behalf.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I did not want to ruin the member's clip, because I know it is really important to the Conservative Party of Canada, and it is important for constituents to hear their position, but the member should be speaking through the Chair.”
“Mr. Speaker, the member was duly elected to the provincial legislative assembly, but this party, federally, does not reflect progressive values. Premier Ford, at that time, called the member's comments “irresponsible”. He said, “By spreading misinformation he is undermining the tireless efforts of our frontline health-care workers at this critical time”. Premier Ford also said, “I will not jeopardize a single Ontarian's life by ignoring public health advice.” I agree that taxpayers work hard, and the member has put his name on ballots multiple times and is funded by the public purse. I ask the member, based on his comments today about the public purse, does he not have regard for the fact that he is employed by the public purse and the government has—”
“As heard through testimonies at the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications, Bill S-211 addresses a growing concern of families and loved ones who feel this pressure in their lives. Bill S-211 provides a clear path forward. It is time to act before additional harms are caused. I would like to thank Senator Marty Deacon for her care in crafting this bill, as well as my friend, the MP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore , for his support and for seconding Bill S-211 in this place. I look forward to working with all colleagues to move the bill forward into law to protect the future of Canadian families and bring back the simple fun of watching sports. (Motion agreed to and bill read the first time)”
“Bill S-211. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising . She said: Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Bill S-211 , which was swiftly passed by colleagues in the other place. I believe we can agree it would be responsible to see the same happen here in the House. Sports betting is legalized in Canada, yet constituents in Waterloo have shared, and every MP has received, concerns regarding the abundance of advertisements, which often overshadow the sport itself. Bill S-211 will add limitations around gambling advertisements to reduce its promotion to youth and vulnerable groups.”
“In circumstances such as this, where the family is very committed to Canada and speaks both official languages, does the member agree that the child should have Canadian citizenship?”
“Madam Speaker, this is a debate that constituents in the riding of Waterloo have been actively participating in, and there is definitely a range of views and perspectives. I hear the member's comments in regard to having a commitment to advancing the prosperity of the country and being a great Canadian. In the riding of Waterloo, I have a couple of circumstances or situations. One includes a Canadian whose parents were working abroad. This individual has lived her entire life in Canada; speaks both official languages; is a contributing, hard-working, taxpaying citizen; and was born abroad. She went abroad to a conference and was not able to come home because it was suggested, because she was pregnant, that she not travel. She ended up having her baby abroad, and that child is not entitled to Canadian citizenship.”
“Madam Speaker, I was just going to say that, in the spirit of maintaining decorum and following the rules, at the beginning of the member's comments he referenced the presence and absence of a member in the chamber, including who is in the chair. I think that we should refrain from doing that.”
“Is this something we might need to consider, as Canadians might be working and contributing to Canada while perhaps having to be abroad to contribute in meaningful ways?”
“Madam Speaker, this is definitely legislation that, in the riding of Waterloo, has garnered some fruitful conversation. There are examples constituents have shared with me of hard-working, tax-paying Canadians, who often speak both official languages. In one case in my office, the parents worked for an international company abroad. They were born abroad but had been in Canada for decades. Then the wife went to a conference abroad and was not able to travel because she was pregnant. There was a risk of causing damage to her unborn child, so she ended up delivering her baby abroad prior to returning to Canada. That child does not have Canadian citizenship. I would like to hear the member's comments on that. Also, we are trying to grow our economy, with more international companies helping more global citizens.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. Earlier, a Conservative colleague stood on a point of order. I agreed with that point and I think the member also agreed with it. Even though he was not in the previous Parliament, he is an experienced member. I think he should retract those comments and apologize.”
“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's comments and I would like to ask him a question. One of my constituents in my riding of Waterloo was born abroad. She has a family who is proudly Canadian, who speak both official languages and who contribute to our community and our country. She attended a conference abroad and could not return to Canada without putting her unborn child at risk, so the child is not Canadian. I would like the member to tell me what he means. Should this child be Canadian? He will speak both official languages and contribute to Canada. He lives here in our country, but he is not entitled to citizenship.”