Gord Johns
Courtenay—Alberni, British Columbia · NDP · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, we recall that the United Nations special rapporteur warned that Canada's temporary foreign worker program can create conditions resembling modern-day slavery. Last month, the San Group, a company operating in Port Alberni, was fined $429,000 and banned for two years for serious violations involving migrant workers.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I highlighted earlier, a Port Alberni company was fined $429,000 for its violation in its treatment of migrant workers, and it was given a two-year ban. Clearly, two years is not enough. The company operates other companies, and the rumour is that it actually has temporary foreign workers working for them as well.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to bring us back to a part of the conversation in which my colleague talked about the government's removing regulations on dangerous pesticides. Just last week, the Prime Minister announced his food security strategy, and the Liberals are removing important regulations that protect Canadians regarding pesticides.”
“Temporary foreign workers are often hired without the labour market opinion having been done in the right way. Workers who are looking for work are not getting hired. We hear in my riding about abuses of workers by employers, but there is no follow-up. There is nothing. When workers are in trouble, they are not supported.”
“I would like to hear from my colleague about whether, when food security and food sovereignty matter more than ever, my colleague sees the importance of the government's pausing its changes on these regulations, pausing these cuts and actually working with farmers to protect Canada's public agricultural research system?”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all my colleagues for allowing that to happen. Today is Brain Injury Awareness Day. It is an honour to table this petition on behalf of the families impacted by 165,000 new cases annually of brain injury in our country.”
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“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been telling Canadians the government will spend less and invest more while abandoning the Liberals' promise to make mental health a full and equal part of Canada's universal public health care system. It is estimated every dollar invested in mental health generates two dollars of long-term savings, while untreated mental health issues cost our economy more than $50 billion every year. In Mental Illness Awareness Week, will the government acknowledge that it is time to invest in the mental health of Canadians as a nation-building project?”
“Mr. Speaker, on the B.C. coast alone there are 900 vessels, 90 of them over 500 tonnes, at their end of life, posing an imminent threat to our environment if they are not recycled. Towing even one large B.C. ferry from Vancouver Island to Halifax to be recycled could cost millions. In Port Alberni, we are ready to build a ship repair and recycling centre of excellence in partnership with first nations. Will the minister commit to European Union-style regulations to protect workers, safeguard the environment and secure this nation-building infrastructure?”
“Mr. Speaker, this is very important legislation. I have heard from members of the Maa-nulth nations, who have signed a treaty, including Chief Anne Mack from Toquaht and Chief Wilfred Cootes from Uchucklesaht. They said this an essential oversight mechanism to help ensure the effective and timely implementation of modern-day treaties in terms of nation-to-nation, government-to-government and indigenous-to-Crown relations. The NDP is wondering how we can move with all parties in this House to fast-track this legislation. Can the minister identify the conversations she is having with all parties so that we can move this legislation forward immediately?”
“They therefore call on the government to expand federal market programs for Canada wood products and to establish a timely biomass tax credit to support forestry jobs, something that was in the fall economic statement of 2023.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present a petition from Canadians concerned about the future of our forest industry and the rural communities it supports. Petitioners note that forestry has long been a source of good jobs, but, in recent years, it has faced major challenges, from wildfires and infestations to the ongoing softwood lumber dispute. The petitioners highlight that U.S. trade policies continue to threaten Canadian producers while Canada's failure to act on biomass incentives has left their sector at a competitive disadvantage compared to the United States. The petitioners point out that forest biomass has the potential to provide a sustainable source of energy for Canada's electrical grids while creating good jobs in rural communities.”
“The petitioners therefore call on the Government of Canada to provide enhanced, stable and predictable funding, to invest in the modernization of facilities and to fully recognize the critical role friendship centres play in reconciliation and in supporting indigenous peoples across urban, rural and remote communities. We owe them a ton of gratitude.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to bring forward a petition on behalf of Canadians, especially petitioners from the Port Alberni Friendship Center, which is in the process of, next week, having its sixtieth anniversary. The petitioners are calling for enhanced support for friendship centres. They highlight that friendship centres are vital community hubs providing culturally appropriate services in health, education, housing, employment and youth programming. They note that governments have increasingly relied on these centres to respond to socio-economic conditions, climate emergencies and the toxic drug crisis, yet federal funding has not kept pace with inflation or the real cost of services since 2005.”
“Mr. Speaker, coastal first nations oppose crude oil projects going through their territories and strongly support the tanker moratorium protecting British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. They have built a sustainable economy that creates jobs, supports communities and safeguards globally significant ecosystems. Premier Smith's pipeline push ignores their indigenous rights. When introducing Bill C-5 , the Prime Minister pledged no province or indigenous group would be forced into unwanted projects. Will the government uphold that promise?”
“The House of Commons fisheries committee, in 2019, recommended that fisheries remain a common property resource for Canadians. The petitioners call on the government to immediately ban further transfers of Canadian licenses and quotas to foreign interests.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to table a petition from Canadians who are deeply concerned about growing foreign ownership of our commercial fisheries. The petitioners note that while the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is mandated to protect the stability and viability of Canadian fishing operations, in the Pacific region, there are no limits on the foreign acquisition of licenses and quotas, nor does Canada track the citizenship of those involved. They argue that this lack of oversight undermines Canadian-owned operations, hurts harvesters, families and coastal communities, and conflicts with reconciliation efforts as first nations seek access. Foreign ownership also threatens food security and reduces Canadian fish processing jobs.”
“Mr. Speaker, farmers have saved and replanted seeds for generations, but the government is proposing changes to plant breeders' rights that threaten this age-old practice. To make matters worse, consultations were scheduled during the summer and the harvest season, when farmers are busiest and least able to respond. Does the Minister of Agriculture support the right of Canada's fruit and vegetable farmers to continue saving and using their own seeds, and will he abandon these reckless and harmful changes?”
“Mr. Speaker, one concern New Democrats have raised is the one-size-fits-all approach. This bill would lump together banks, telecoms, nuclear facilities and energy co-operatives under a single compliance framework. All of them would face the same 90-day timeline to stand up cybersecurity programs, no matter their size or capacity. For large corporations, perhaps this is feasible. For small operators or co-ops, it could be impossible. Should compliance obligations not be tailored to the realities of different sectors?”
“Mr. Speaker, in the NDP, we have highlighted that there would be risks to privacy and civil liberties, and the bill would allow for mandatory information sharing between telecom regulators and federal agencies, as well as possibly onward to foreign governments. One of our questions is this: What is the standard for this disclosure? Simply having the minister's judgment on what is necessary as a standard is vague, subjective and wide open to abuse, so maybe my colleague can answer this: Why are there no requirements for privacy impact assessments in the bill?”
“Madam Speaker, investing in the aerial firefighting fleet far outweighs the cost to do that, and what we are facing now, which is a massive loss in biodiversity and cost to infrastructure and private property, driving up our home and business insurance. There is the impact on the forest sector and industry, as well as the release of emissions. Canada is the worst in the world right now in release of emissions due to wildfires. The impact on people's lives, homes and human health is unprecedented. Of course, there is also the impact on indigenous peoples. This is an act of reconciliation. When it comes to nation building, we are calling on the government to treat the issue with the wartime effort that is required. I hope we will see that in the upcoming federal budget.”
“In addition to strengthening our wildfire response, these investments would create high-skilled jobs in Canada's aviation sector, support innovation in emergency response technology and enhance Canada's ability to contribute to our NATO commitments and provide mutual aid abroad in times of crisis. I am strongly encouraging the minister and the government to ensure that funding for sovereign aerial firefighting capacity is included in the next federal budget. We cannot wait. Such an investment would save lives, strengthen our communities and build long-term resilience for Canada in the face of the climate crisis.”
“I am therefore calling on the federal government to partner with the private sector, in collaboration with first nations partners, to retrofit a portion of Canada's retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft into large air tankers for wildfire suppression; to deploy these aircraft as part of a strengthened national wildfire response capacity, shared with provinces and territories, using them, where appropriate, for international humanitarian and emergency missions; and to prioritize this made-in-Canada solution that leverages Canadian aviation expertise, protects lives and communities and safeguards the environment.”
“Canada has a rare opportunity to follow this proven model. By converting our retired CC-130H Hercules fleet into modern air tankers, we can protect communities, safeguard critical infrastructure and reduce the catastrophic carbon emissions released during mega fires. This approach would also ensure that retired military assets continue to serve Canadians in peacetime through life-saving civilian use. Partnering with the private sector and first nations to retrofit a portion of the retired CC-130H Hercules fleet would create a permanent national capacity to fight wildfires. A Port Alberni-based company in my riding, Coulson Aviation, has already demonstrated global expertise in converting CC-130 aircraft and operating them as large air tankers, successfully partnering with governments in Australia, the United States and beyond.”
“I want to congratulate and thank the Province of British Columbia and Minister Ravi Parmar, the Minister of Forests, for prioritizing homes and people's lives in other provinces to ensure that their lives were protected and for ensuring that B.C. loaned the equipment in a timely way. That reality underlines the urgency. Without a national air tanker fleet, provinces are left to shoulder the cost of aviation resources, with no guarantee that they will be available when and where they are needed most. Combatting wildfires in the climate crisis era requires a wartime level of effort. Other nations have demonstrated that repurposing retired military aircraft into civilian firefighting roles provides exactly the kind of rapid-response capability and national resilience that Canada currently lacks.”
“Madam Speaker, I am here tonight to urge the federal government to make the establishment of a sovereign aerial firefighting capacity fleet a core nation-building investment in the upcoming federal budget. Wildfires across Canada are increasing in both intensity and cost, demanding bold and timely action. We saw fires rage across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland this last summer. This past fire season may not have been a record season for British Columbia, but it was certainly a record in terms of the extraordinary amount of equipment loaned from British Columbia to other provinces to help them.”
“Mr. Speaker, we all want to end the cycle of crime. I will give an example to my colleague. In my riding, there was an application for a rapid housing initiative. The initiative was going to create housing for the most vulnerable and for people who were released. This application has a sworn letter from the Nanaimo parole office, from Correctional Service Canada, highlighting that they did not have any beds for clients they were releasing who had been serving two years plus a day. This application was denied by the Liberals. There was not a single bed—”
“The petitioners further raise concerns about the inhumane confinement and suffering of animals such as minks, foxes, chinchillas, lynx, bobcats and wolves, and they point out that over 20 countries have already banned fur farming. Public opinion in Canada overwhelmingly supports a nationwide prohibition. The petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to finally prohibit the practice of fur farming for all species of animals.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present e-petition 6589. This petition was initiated by Lesley Fox from Port Alberni, British Columbia, and was signed by 10,800 Canadians who are deeply concerned about the risks and harms of fur farming. The petitioners note that fur-farmed animals can carry high-risk zoonotic diseases, including coronaviruses and influenza. Intense breeding in captivity increases the risk of transmission between humans and animals. The petition highlights that British Columbia has already banned mink farming due to public health risk. Infectious disease specialists in Canada have called on the federal government to end fur farming altogether.”
“They note that while more and more indigenous people are seeking to learn their languages, including survivor Clara from Hupacasath First Nation, whom I walked with yesterday and who is learning her language and never had an opportunity, the number of fluent speakers continues to fall. The petitioners further raise concerns that recent changes to federal funding put language preservation and revitalization at risk. The petitioners, many of whom walked yesterday with survivors, therefore call on the Government of Canada to ensure fair, adequate and long-term funding for indigenous languages programming so that this vital work can continue before it is too late.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to table this petition, which was created by Tseshaht First Nation member Dawn Foxcroft. It is timely. It is around indigenous language funding, and yesterday, as we know, was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I am tabling this petition on behalf of Canadians who are deeply concerned about the future of indigenous languages. The petitioners draw the attention of the House to the fact that reconciliation requires urgent action to address the devastating loss of language and culture that first nations have experienced. This is a truth and reconciliation call to action.”
“Petitioners therefore call on the Government of Canada to take urgent action by legislating parity between physical and mental health in Canada's universal public health care system; ensuring timely access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, publicly funded mental health and substance use services beyond hospital and physician settings; and establishing the Canada mental health transfer to sustainably fund these services, including an initial investment of $4.5 billion to the provinces and territories. Last, petitioners are clear: Canadians deserve a health care system where mental health is treated with the same urgency, priority and respect as physical health.”
“Madam Speaker, it is an honour and privilege to rise today to table a petition on behalf of Canadians who are deeply concerned about the worsening mental health and substance use crises across our country, a crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Petitioners note that too many Canadians are unable to access timely mental health or substance use supports. They point out that when care is not available in the community, people are left to rely on overcrowded hospitals and emergency rooms or primary care providers, while untreated or inadequately treated mental illness carries enormous social and economic costs.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canada is facing record wildfires that are destroying communities, critical infrastructure and lives while also creating dangerous air pollution that harms human health, yet Canada still does not have a sovereign aerial firefighting fleet. In Port Alberni, Coulson Aviation is a world leader in retrofitting aircraft such as the retired CC-130 Hercules that could continue to protect Canadians and create high-skilled jobs here at home. Will the government commit in this budget to establishing a permanent national aerial firefighting fleet so Canada can defend our communities from climate disasters while also meeting its NATO obligations?”
“The petitioners cite that they are calling on the government to work in partnership with the private sector, in collaboration with potential first nations partners, to retrofit a portion of Canada's retired CC-130H Hercules fleet into large air tankers for wildfire suppression; deploy these aircraft as part of a strengthened national wildfire response capacity, to be shared with provinces and territories and, where appropriate, to be available for international humanitarian and emergency response missions; and, finally, prioritize this made-in-Canada solution, which leverages Canadian engineering and global expertise and delivers clear benefits in protecting lives, communities and the environment.”
“The conversion of Canada's retired CC-130 Hercules fleet into state-of-the-art air tankers would protect communities and critical infrastructure, and it would help meet climate commitments by reducing catastrophic carbon releases from wildfires.”
“Madam Speaker, it is an honour to table this petition on behalf of petitioners from my riding of Courtenay—Alberni, who are on the front line of wildfires this season. They highlight that the increase in intensity and cost of wildfires in Canada, not just in British Columbia but across the country, requires bold and timely action. Without a national air tanker fleet, each province must weigh the cost of purchasing or contracting aviation resources, with no guarantee that resources will be available when and where they are needed most. Fighting wildfires and addressing the climate crisis demands a wartime level of effort and commitment. Other countries retrofit retired military aircraft for aerial firefighting and providing rapid response capability and national resilience.”
“The petitioners call on the government to issue a formal apology and acknowledge the historical and ongoing injustices experienced by Black Canadians to enact comprehensive legislation addressing anti-Black racism, including hate crime protections and institutional accountability measures, and to put in place policies to dismantle systemic discrimination and ensure safety, dignity and equal opportunity for Black Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to rise today to table e-petition 6484, which was initiated by Black People United for Change, who are in Ottawa today. These Canadians and petitioners are calling on the government to take urgent action to confront anti-Black racism. The petitioners highlight the long history of systemic racism in this country, and they point to historic injustices, as well as recent tragedies and hate crimes, as evidence of the urgent need for change.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I know you have talked about decorum in this place. I may not agree with his policies, but the member for Chilliwack—Hope asked a straight question of the government. My friend, the Secretary of State for Sport , whom I call a friend because I consider him that, responded with “Get a grip”. I think there is a point to be made here. There has to be respect on both sides of this place, and I hope the secretary of state will take this point and maybe refrain from that in the future.”
“The petitioners therefore call on the Government of Canada to reject militarized aid models, restore access for UN agencies and NGOs such as UNRWA and the World Food Programme, permit safe entry for Canadian health care and humanitarian workers and ensure that all Canadian aid is delivered through internationally recognized, neutral and independent channels.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise to table a petition from Canadians deeply concerned about the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The petitioners note that, under common article 1 of the Geneva Conventions, Canada must respect international humanitarian law. They highlight that article 59 of the fourth Geneva Convention requires occupying powers to allow impartial humanitarian relief and that Canada's international assistance accountability act mandates that our aid uphold human rights to international legal standards. The petitioners state that Israel's current policies violate these obligations.”
“The petitioners therefore call on the government to finally, in this 2025 fall budget, commit to passing the proposed biomass component of the clean technology investment tax credit that was highlighted in the fall economic statement of 2023. This is to protect Canadian forestry jobs and strengthen our economy.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to table e-petition 6530. This petition was signed by 781 Canadians who are deeply concerned about the future of our forestry sector. These petitioners point out that forestry has long provided good jobs in both rural and urban communities but now faces devastating challenges ranging from wildfires and insect infestations to the ongoing softwood lumber dispute and the Trump tariffs. The petitioners stress that forest biomass energy production presents a sustainable opportunity to power Canadian electrical grids with clean energy while creating new jobs, yet the government's failure to implement biomass tax incentives has left the sector at a clear competitive disadvantage compared to the United States.”
“I ask all members to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and to every person whose courage and compassion has carried us through these increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience shown in my riding during the devastating Wesley Ridge and Mount Underwood wildfires that struck our communities this summer. At the heart of the response were career and volunteer firefighters, men and women who put their lives on the line, working around the clock with bravery and determination on the front lines. Their skill and sacrifice protected homes, livelihoods and lives in dangerous and unpredictable conditions. I also want to thank first nations, local governments and the many neighbours, volunteers, church groups, service clubs and local businesses who rallied to support families, opening their doors, caring for animals and ensuring no one was left behind. These fires reminded us that in the face of danger, we are strongest when we stand together.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am rising regarding the establishment of a national strategy on brain injuries in Bill C-206 . There have been discussions between parties, and I am hoping, if you seek it, that we find agreement to adopt the following motion by unanimous consent: That notwithstanding any Standing Order or usual practice of the House, Bill C-206 , an act— Some hon. members: No.”
“This bill seeks to begin that work before the next disaster happens. I am thankful to my colleague, the MP for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie , for seconding the bill and for his ongoing work to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. I hope all members will support this very important bill. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“In 2021, when 109 shipping containers fell from the ZIM Kingston into the ocean, again off the coast of Vancouver Island, the government still did not have an emergency response plan or proper equipment to respond. If a spill were to happen today, the government again would not be prepared to respond. Volunteers have been cleaning debris off our shores for years, following shipping containers and finding items such as refrigerators, urinal mats, inflatable toys, lost containers with Styrofoam, plastic items and toxic chemicals that continue to pollute our marine ecosystems. With climate change making extreme weather events more common, it is essential that Canada has a strategy in place to prevent shipping container spills and to respond rapidly and effectively when they happen.”
“Bill C-215. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-215, An Act to amend the Marine Liability Act (national strategy respecting pollution caused by shipping container spills) . He said: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill today that would amend the Marine Liability Act to require the development and implementation of a national strategy to address pollution caused by shipping container spills. In 2016, when 35 shipping containers fell from the Hanjin Seattle into the ocean off the coast of Vancouver Island, the government did not have an emergency response plan in place or resources available to rapidly respond.”
“Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia is ready to negotiate a pharmacare deal, but it is still waiting on an invitation from Health Canada. The Prime Minister has not committed to expanding pharmacare for all Canadians. Access to essential medications should not depend on where one lives or one's private coverage. With the job losses from Trump's trade war, the need for public medication coverage is clear. Will the Liberal government commit to delivering universal pharmacare for all Canadians?”
“Throughout his life, he shared his teachings and touched the lives of hundreds of people from all walks of life, establishing the Hooksum Outdoor School in 2000, specializing in outdoor and environmental education. Stephen recently passed to the other side and leaves behind his loving wife, Karen, six children, 12 grandchildren and a legacy of strength, culture and connection to home. May he rest in peace, and may we honour his memory with action and respect.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour the life of Moonaquin mit Stephen Charleson, a proud member of the Hesquiaht First Nation and the House of Kinquashtakumtlth. Stephen was a lifelong fisher, learning traditional fishing and navigation skills from his father and brothers and living his entire life on the lands and waters around Hesquiaht Harbour, except for the painful years he spent in residential schools and the Indian boarding homes program. He was immensely proud of the recognition by the courts of Hesquiaht fishing rights through the T'aaq-wiihak fishery. He was both a teacher and a learner, studying the Nuu-chah-nulth language in his final years.”
“Mr. Speaker, one thing I agree with my colleague on is that, when incentives are on the table, they should be honoured. That is certainly something we agree on. I am going to talk a bit about Norway, where 88.9% of all new vehicle sales are EVs. It is a cold country and a lot of it is very rural. It is going to be at 100% by the end of this year. Through you to my colleague, why do Conservatives constantly cite that it is impossible when other countries around the world are taking action on protecting the environment and on climate change?”
“They insist on safe and immediate entry for Canadian health care workers and other international humanitarian personnel to Palestine. They also ask that Canadian funding be withheld from any entity or model that does not comply with the principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence and humanity, and, finally, that all Canadian aid to Gaza is delivered through internationally recognized humanitarian channels.”
“Mr. Speaker, in the petition I am tabling, the petitioners highlight that under common article 1 of the Geneva Convention, Canada is required to respect international humanitarian law, and that under article 59 of the fourth Geneva Convention, Israel is an occupying power that must allow and facilitate humanitarian aid by impartial organizations. They highlight that Canada's own Official Development Assistance Accountability Act requires that all Canadian foreign aid uphold human rights and international legal standards. They highlight that, publicly and unequivocally, they reject the militarized aid model used in Palestine. They also highlight that they demand the full restoration of access for the UN agencies and established humanitarian NGOs, including UNRWA and the World Food Programme.”
“This bill would streamline the process so that when someone has a disability recognized in their home province or territory, it is automatically recognized federally as well. Each disability tax credit form takes up to one hour to complete, and in 2022, over 400,000 disability tax credit forms were processed, which amounts to over one million lost patient visits. I would like to thank my colleague, the former member for Victoria, Laurel Collins, for introducing this bill in the last Parliament. I would also like to thank the member for Winnipeg Centre for seconding this bill and for her ongoing advocacy for people with disabilities. Finally, I would like to thank all those fighting for disability justice and for a more inclusive Canada. I hope all members will support this very important bill.”