Gary Anandasangaree
Scarborough—Guildwood—Rouge Park, Ontario · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, our government has always been committed to the safety and security of all Canadians. Any form of violence, intimidation or transnational repression targeting individuals and communities in Canada is unacceptable and punishable under Canadian law. We are taking action to protect Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, this is not how legislation works. We have put forward a comprehensive piece of legislation. We have consulted with a range of stakeholders, including law enforcement. Parts 1 and 2 go hand in hand. We cannot cherry-pick which parts of the act go into effect.”
“Mr. Speaker, the misinformation on firearms continues. Over 140,000 individual firearms have been declared by owners, as well as businesses. We are in the process of collecting them. We have invested in law enforcement. We are hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel and 1,000 new CBSA officers.”
“Mr. Speaker, several weeks ago, this House, as well as the Senate, passed a motion declaring Anton Boegman as the commissioner for the transparency registry. We are working toward the establishment of the regulations, and the commission will be up and running in the upcoming weeks.”
“Mr. Speaker, the misinformation, sadly, continues on firearms. As members are aware, over 140,000 firearms have been declared by individual Canadians as well as businesses. We are in the process of collecting those firearms. What I will— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated before, we are deeply heartbroken that Constable Marc Pinizzotto of the Toronto Police Service and Constable Tarun Bali of the Ontario police service were killed in the line of duty last week.”
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“Mr. Speaker, finally, this House passed Bill C-22 , which is on lawful access, despite days of obstruction from the opposition. It is a critical tool that law enforcement has been asking for in order to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government has always been committed to the safety and security of all Canadians. Any form of violence, intimidation or transnational repression targeting individuals and communities in Canada is unacceptable and punishable under Canadian law. We are taking action to protect Canadians. We are passing the most comprehensive criminal justice reform in a generation. Just this afternoon, after many days of obstruction, we passed Bill C-22 on lawful access—”
“Mr. Speaker, the misinformation on firearms continues. Over 140,000 individual firearms have been declared by owners, as well as businesses. We are in the process of collecting them. We have invested in law enforcement. We are hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel and 1,000 new CBSA officers.”
“Mr. Speaker, the misinformation, sadly, continues on firearms. As members are aware, over 140,000 firearms have been declared by individual Canadians as well as businesses. We are in the process of collecting those firearms. What I will— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, this is not how legislation works. We have put forward a comprehensive piece of legislation. We have consulted with a range of stakeholders, including law enforcement. Parts 1 and 2 go hand in hand. We cannot cherry-pick which parts of the act go into effect. I will give an example of the obstructionism of the Conservative Party: over 10 hours of discussion on clause-by-clause at the committee, and they have passed seven amendments. Just last week alone, over three hours, they passed one amendment, and in fact, the key leaders on the committee were not even—”
“Mr. Speaker, several weeks ago, this House, as well as the Senate, passed a motion declaring Anton Boegman as the commissioner for the transparency registry. We are working toward the establishment of the regulations, and the commission will be up and running in the upcoming weeks.”
“Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated before, we are deeply heartbroken that Constable Marc Pinizzotto of the Toronto Police Service and Constable Tarun Bali of the Ontario police service were killed in the line of duty last week. We as a government have been taking decisive action, including strengthening bail and sentencing, with bills that we expect to go through Parliament this week. We need to work in collaboration to ensure the safety and security of all those who serve on the front lines. We are taking those actions. We invite the party opposite to join us in order to strengthen these systems.”
“Bill C-9. Second reading and concurrence in Senate amendments moved the second reading of, and concurrence in, the amendment made by the Senate to Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places) .”
“Mr. Speaker, we have been working with first nations and Inuit police in communities across Canada to ensure the safety and security of all those in the communities. We are increasing the number of resources available for infrastructure, and we continue to ensure that funding is applied throughout the year. What I do want to say is that if the party opposite is serious about public safety, the number one issue that has been sought is lawful access, which is Bill C-22 , which the party opposite is blocking and obstructing as we speak.”
“Mr. Speaker, our government's decision to extend the amnesty order respects the judicial process, and it provides greater certainty for firearms owners across Canada. To date, over 142,000 firearms have been declared, and firearms owners have already begun making appointments to drop off their prohibited weapons. We will keep working to keep communities across Canada safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me thank my colleague for the work he has been doing as part of NSICOP. As we are aware, it is a body of Parliament that ensures review of our security practices, and we look forward to the review that we will undertake starting this year.”
“Mr. Speaker, from the outset, our INSET team, as well as RCMP personnel and senior leadership, has been fully engaged in this investigation. They have been supporting the Toronto Police Service, including deploying two special task forces in order to support the investigation as it unfolds. The work of the Toronto Police Service is part of the collaborative efforts of all of our law enforcement agencies in order to ensure that the safety and national security interests of Canadians are paramount. We will work in collaboration to ensure that we get results and support those in frontline policing.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken in hearing of the passing of Officer Marc Pinizzotto. I was able to connect with the Toronto Police chief, the Toronto Police Association and the mayor of the city of Toronto, and I express our profound grief and condolences to the people of Toronto and all those who serve on the front lines. Today is a day for all of us to come together and cherish those who serve us each and every day, risking their lives. To the families who sacrifice every day and hope that their family member will come home, I pray for them. I pray for all those in law enforcement and pray that Constable Pinizzotto's family have the peace they need to get through this very difficult time.”
“Mr. Speaker, the safety and security of all Canadians is critically important to this government. That is why we are taking decisive action to ensure security at the border, including ensuring that those who are inadmissible to Canada are not allowed in. If the Conservative Party wants to talk seriously about crime and law enforcement, they need to get serious on Bill C-22 , which is a lawful access act before the House. Instead of stonewalling and dragging their feet on critically important legislation, they should support it today so that we can get this through the House before we rise.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Oakville West for her advocacy. Canadians must have confidence in the integrity and security of the products and services they use each and every day. This is why we are taking the necessary steps to protect Canadians, our critical infrastructure and our economy through Bill C-8 . This piece of legislation will help critical infrastructure operators better prepare for, prevent and respond to cyber-incidents that threaten Canadian interests. We will continue to modernize Canada's security tools while safeguarding privacy and keeping Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me just confirm that last year the Canada Border Services Agency removed an incredible number of individuals who were ineligible to be here in Canada. Over 23,000 individuals were removed. This year, the CBSA is on target to continue that trend and to ensure those who are ineligible to be in Canada are removed expeditiously. Our men and women of the CBSA are working hard each and every day to ensure the safety and security of Canadians, and we will continue on that path.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate that we have had some form of an agreement on safety and security since 2010 with China. They have never been made public, including under the opposition who were in government at that time. We will continue to work in collaboration with law enforcement and with our international partners to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. We are a country of the rule of law and we will be guided to protect Canadians and to defend Canada's democracy and sovereignty.”
“Mr. Speaker, let us be clear: Canada has had an MOU with China on combatting crime in various forms since 2010. These have never been made public. As with the potential release of any sensitive national security document, we are carefully following the advice of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies. We will continue to work collaboratively with international and law enforcement partners to combat transnational criminal networks to keep Canadians safe. Canada will always be guided by three principles, including the rule of law, protection of Canadians and the defence of—”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the excellent work of Peel Regional Police in collaboration with the OPP, CBSA, FINTRAC and the FBI, which announced the arrest of 17 individuals connected to an international criminal network. This network is responsible for violent extortion targeting the South Asian community across Canada. The operation dismantled a campaign involving 24 incidents, resulting in 106 charges. Extortion and intimidation will never be tolerated in Canada. That is why the Peel Police and others have asked for Bill C-22 , on lawful access, to be passed by the House.”
“Mr. Speaker, the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. Canadian law enforcement works closely with airport authorities, airlines, border agencies and international counterparts to detect criminal activity, protect travellers and disrupt organized crime networks involved in drug trafficking. At least six arrests related to luggage tag swapping have been made by the RCMP. We continue to invest in law enforcement, with $1.3 billion for the border, 1,000 new CBSA officers and 1,000 new RCMP personnel. Through Bill C-12 and Bill C-22 , we are—”
“Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we support the RCMP. We are hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. They are training and they will be deployed shortly. The safety and security of Canadians is our first and top priority, and we will continue to ensure that our law enforcement sector is assisted. We will ensure that the officers have the right tools to do their job effectively.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to assure all Canadians that no IRGC member was admitted into Canada. Our government has been clear that IRGC members and all senior officials of the Iranian government are inadmissible to Canada. We have rigorous processes in place to ensure that anyone in the country who has ties to the IRGC goes through a removals process. We will continue to work with our border, immigration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. I want to assure all Canadians that Canada has rigorous admissibility requirements. We have been very clear that IRGC members and all senior Iranian officials are inadmissible to Canada. If they are already in Canada, they will go through a removals process expeditiously. We will continue to work with our border, immigration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me once again repeat what I have said already. Senior members of the IRGC and those who are part of the Iranian regime are inadmissible to Canada. The safety and security of Canadians is of paramount importance to the government. Having said that, on the individual case in question, I am unable to comment due to privacy concerns.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will make this is very clear. IRGC members are inadmissible to Canada. Senior Iranian officials are inadmissible to Canada. We will continue to work with border and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Having said that, I am unable to comment on one particular case.”
“Mr. Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. We cannot comment on an individual case due to privacy laws, but I want to assure all Canadians that Canada has rigorous admissibility requirements, and we have been very clear that IRGC members and senior Iranian officials are inadmissible to Canada. We will continue to work with our border and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me first express my deepest condolences to the families impacted by this horrific act. The decision of the Federal Court yesterday is that of a judge who, based on the evidence in front of him, made that decision. Having said that, we will review the decision and we look forward to supporting the families in every way we can.”
“Mr. Speaker, I welcome my friend from Scarborough Southwest to this House. Through the building safer communities fund, we are tackling gun violence and youth crime and supporting victims through organizations across Canada, including in her riding of Scarborough Southwest. We have also introduced several measures to keep Canadians safe. This includes tougher bail laws, lawful access measures to help police protect Canadians, hiring 1,000 new CBSA and RCMP personnel, and measures to address hate and protect places of worship.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me just acknowledge the heinous act that the member opposite talked about. I would say that, since taking office, we have brought forward the most comprehensive criminal justice reform in a generation. Bill C-14 speaks to that. It would ensure that repeat violent offenders are off our streets and will get stiffer sentences during the sentencing period. We have Bill C-16 now going through the committee process. Again, it would protect victims. What we need is co-operation to ensure that—”
“Mr. Speaker, every individual who applies to come to Canada is thoroughly reviewed for security. Our law enforcement agencies, including CSIS and CBSA, undertake a thorough check before documents are issued. When they are in Canada and are deemed to be inadmissible, CBSA enforces those removals. Last year, we removed over 22,000 individuals for inadmissibility, the highest number in recent history.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me thank the member for Mississauga—Malton for that very important question, and let me thank law enforcement agencies across Canada for the work they have been doing to ensure that lawful access measures become law in Canada. I want to assure all members in the House that we are working together for the swift passage of Bill C-22 , the lawful access act. Today, chiefs of police and police leaders are gathering in Ottawa, under the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, to educate lawmakers on the need for lawful access. I invite all members to join us this evening.”
“Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Scarborough—Woburn for bringing forward this very important piece of legislation. In fact, in the fight against sickle cell disease, a lot of the work starts in Scarborough. There are some incredible heroes who have been doing the work, and there are so many individuals in our communities who are impacted by it. I am just wondering if the member can reflect on the journey that people in Scarborough have faced, the response that the bill would give them and the confidence that the bill would give them in order to make sure that their lives are improved.”
“Mr. Speaker, I really did not see a lot of substantive debate on this particular bill, rather than to outline a number of irrelevant facts. An hon. member: Crime is just an irrelevant fact? Hon. Gary Anandasangaree : Mr. Speaker, I would appreciate a little bit of intervention because I am being heckled as I am trying to make a very important point. It is important that the bill get through the different stages. We are looking forward to the committee stage of this process. We have consulted extensively with different stakeholders, including law enforcement, civil society and academics, as well as industry. We are looking forward to a robust debate at committee. I want to know what kinds of recommendations the member opposite would have for amendments.”
“Mr. Speaker, I do not have to explain to my Quebec colleagues the impact of guns in their communities. We know that École Polytechnique had significant consequences. Many women were killed. We know that the program is important to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. We will move forward on a business buyback program that will open up, and we will complete the program as contemplated.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. [ English ] Let me just say that the enrolment period for the assault-style firearms compensation program was complete, with over 67,000 firearms that have been declared. This is a program that essentially will ensure that prohibited firearms are off our streets. We know that the Province of Quebec is an integral part of the program, and we are grateful for its support. The business component of the program just opened up, and we will be able to complete the program in a timely manner.”
“Mr. Speaker, we expect compliance from telecommunication companies and other service providers. We are not contemplating compensation. This is part of the CRTC's licensing. As members are aware, these are licences that are provided to the public, and in the public interest, it is important there is compliance from those service providers, which are essentially governed by Canadian law.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question and for his work. [ English ] We did extensive consultations, on an individual basis, with the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime , the Minister of Justice , me and other colleagues. For example, we were in Halton, where we met with the regional police. I want to thank the member of Parliament for Oakville West for her advocacy. We have gone across Canada and consulted with law enforcement agencies. This is a critical tool that they have asked to be made part of Canadian law.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will say, at the outset, that we have consulted the intelligence commissioner and the provisions in this bill reflect what is required, in our opinion, for that transparency and accountability to take place. Of course, as I have always said, we look forward to this bill proceeding to committee and a more robust conversation taking place at the committee stage.”
“First and foremost, NSICOP, which has members from the House as well as from the Senate, had a unanimous report to have a lawful access regime embedded in Canadian law. I will quote the former police officer and investigator, the member for Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner . It is rare for me to quote him, but I am super impressed with his depth of knowledge on this subject. He said, “Our current legislation means police face barriers around seizure authorities, causing investigative delays, sometimes with no way to get access to the information they need.” This is an important piece of legislation, one that law enforcement demands and one that Canadians need for their safety and security. I would ask all parties to support this bill.”
“(1620) From there, for law enforcement to get additional information on a particular case, situation or a set of circumstances, it would require warrants. Warrants are judicially authorized, judicially reviewed and subject to preparation by law enforcement agencies. The third major component of this bill is a review process, because we know that the pace of progress and the pace of technology is moving at a speed that really is beyond what humans expect. With AI, we know there are enormous challenges and changes about to come forward. As a result, we have a review provision that would enable Parliament to do a statutory review of the legislation and be able to make necessary amendments as required. Let me highlight some very important components of the support we have.”
“Right now, what happens is that, from the time the phone number is received to the time there is the required production order to get the information, it could sometimes be eight, 10 or 12 months before that information is obtained. This is essentially handcuffing the work of law enforcement. From there, law enforcement would be able to access additional information as the bill seeks for the ESP, for example, to have the technical capability to offer information on the subscribers' use. This is a critical component of it that is essentially part of the supporting authorized access to information act or SAAIA. It would ensure that ESPs and telecommunication companies can comply with requests to produce certain types of information, data and communications that law enforcement may seek.”
“For example, in a case of extortion, where there may be a number of telephone numbers attached to an extortion threat, very simply, the individual law enforcement agency could canvass a multitude of service providers to seek confirmation of service. It is a demand that would enable law enforcement to know which company is a service provider for that particular phone number or, in this case, ISP. The second element is about taking subscriber information, which is also part of part 1. This would enable, again, law enforcement to get basic information about the individual. This would be email addresses, an address, perhaps, or a name that corresponds to the individual phone number or ISP, the Internet service, that would allow law enforcement to further the investigation.”
“Technology has evolved extensively in the last three decades, and right now, we are at a point where that type of information is not readily available. Part 1 of the bill would essentially enable law enforcement to have basic, timely access to data and information. It would essentially be a confirmation-of-service demand, which means that law enforcement could go to an electronic service provider and ask it if an individual phone number is associated with the company. It would be a simple answer of yes or no. There is nothing beyond it. There are no other aspects. It is a very simple yes-or-no question.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his very important intervention. I will get back to the substance of Bill C-22 . The different parties came together on what is essential for law enforcement to protect Canadians, and there are three major parts to the bill. I want to frame where the first one comes from. Twenty-five years ago, there were phone books that every household had. Bell Canada would deliver phone books to virtually every household. In that phone book, we could look up somebody's name and actually find a phone number. Similarly, there is a book that was a reverse lookup. We could essentially go to that phone book and, if we had a phone number, we could seek even the address of the individual whose address is attached to that phone number.”
“Rankin had a number of engagements between the four groups and made some recommendations to the Minister of Justice and me. I thank him for his work. Based on that, and based on additional consultation, we put forward Bill C-22 , which, in my opinion, balances the critical need for protection of individual privacy as well as ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary tools to do its work. I want to thank many colleagues, on both sides, who have been instrumental in helping us get to this point. There are essentially three major parts to this bill. The first part, and I want to frame this—”
“Over the past 10 months or so, the Minister of Justice , the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime and I have been going around the country meeting with police chiefs, as well as those in unions, law enforcement and, across the board, individuals who have direct experience with the impediments that the inability to have a lawful access regime poses to the safety and security of Canadians. Members will be aware that over the last several months, I tasked a former minister from British Columbia, Murray Rankin, to engage with different parties, oftentimes those with competing or differing views, to build an element of consensus on what a lawful access regime should look like. The parties included those in civil society, academics, law enforcement, and industry. Mr.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the Secretary of State for Combatting Crime . Bill C-22 , an act respecting lawful access, is a tool that law enforcement has been asking for for many decades, in fact, over three decades. Canada is the only Five Eyes and G7 country not to have a formalized lawful access regime. We have had a couple of court decisions that spoke to the limits of this very important issue of lawful access that people have been asking for.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me just say that the new government is ensuring that we have control over the immigration system. Today we passed Bill C-12 , which gives greater law enforcement powers to both the CBSA and the IRCC. For example, when people are using the asylum system to game the system, it will enable officials to disallow their claims. We are taking control of the immigration system, and Bill C-12 is a perfect example of how we are moving forward.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me thank the member for Markham—Unionville for his hard work and advocacy. As members are aware, law enforcement agencies across Canada have been asking for additional tools, the most important one being lawful access in order to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Through Bill C-22 , they would have the tools they need to combat childhood sexual exploitation, extortion, human trafficking, money laundering and more. I urge all members in the House to support Bill C-22 and ensure that law enforcement have the tools they need to keep Canadians safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, let me just say that the first 1,000 RCMP officers we are going to be hiring will be coming out very shortly. We have also started to roll out the 1,000 new CBSA officers. What will be important for members opposite to reflect on is their commitment to the RCMP. On this side of the House, we support the RCMP. We support law enforcement. We have introduced Bill C-22 respecting lawful access that would give law enforcement officers the necessary tools that they have been asking for to ensure the safety and security of Canadians.”